6/13/05

I know I have no excuse (at least any really good one) for not updating. But…I finally have! sorryyyyy. Though, now that it's the summer I think I'll be trying to update more often. Wheesh, high school, lotsa stuff neh? I'm also working on re-writing/editing Part 1 of Dropped into Middle Earth. Personally, I thought that one is kinda like crap.

Thanks to all of you that are still sticking around. And thanks to 'JK' for reminding me that I owe you all so much -

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Chapter 8: Sand and Grass

Malik gnawed his lower lip in worry as each minute passed that Rishid had been gone. His grasp on Ryou's pale hands tightened each time footsteps passed by the tent flap. What was wrong? People were after them, after their Millennium Items? Was Yugi caught by any of them? A shiver passed down Malik's spine at the thought of the small boy in the clutches of evil hands. The even worse thought was that of the Millennium Puzzle and the damage it could do. But a game had to be played to win over the powers and the rights to the Millennium Puzzle. . .or any Millennium Item for that matter, and no one here knew that. No one here knew anything about the Shadow Games, did they?

He was snapped out of his thoughts as he felt slender fingers entwining with his own. Ryou's puffy eyes cracked open and his dark brown eyes looked back up at Malik questioningly. A dry scratching sound came from the white-haired boy's throat, breaking the stunned silence. Malik quickly reached for the pitcher of water, so rare and precious in this desert, and poured a cup for Ryou and carefully let some trickle into the teen's mouth before Ryou was able to gulp the liquid down on his own. Ryou attempted to sit up next to Malik, but the Egyptian boy splayed his hands across Ryou's shoulders and shook his head. "You need your rest, Ryou. I'm fine, just a little nervous."

"Why?" came Ryou's dry rasp, "Where's Rishid? He never leaves your side." At that Ryou's cracked lips turned into a small smile. His brown eyes darted around looking for the large body guard. "Where's Yugi? Everyone's disappeared, Malik."

"Rishid's gone to look for Yugi, in case he got lost," replied Malik with a smirk as he reapplied the cool and wet cloth over Ryou's forehead. "Everything's going to be fine, Ryou, at least after you get better." It wasn't a lie, Rishid was out looking for Yugi, the boy was probably just lost, and things would be perfectly fine. Rishid was probably just paranoid; it wasn't the first time, but then again, his brother had an uncanny ability to be right, like Isis. A pang of homesickness hit him, but he pushed it away, he needed to be strong, he needed to make sure everything would be fine. Ryou wasn't in any condition to have to worry about anything, or panic for that matter, he just needed to rest to get better. Malik had no need to tell Ryou about the details or the whole truth until Ryou was a little better. His bronze hands carefully brushed a few strands of sweat soaked white hair off of Ryou's damp face.

"Thank you, Malik," whispered Ryou before his eyes closed and he fell into a blissful healing slumber. His chest rose and fell gently as his breathing evened out in sleep.

"Sleep well, Ryou. While we still can," said Malik softly, his eyes falling onto the golden sheen of the Millennium Ring peeking from beneath the blankets, and then staring at his own Millennium Rod clenched so tightly that his knuckles were beginning to whiten. "Curse these things! Can't the pharaoh just receive his memories already? They have caused enough trouble already."

o00o

Yugi's breath hitched as he was backed into a corner. His escort chuckled darkly and moved closer, hands outstretched and ready to grab him. A whimper escaped his lips and Yugi turned away from the man, his arms snapped up to protect his face. He waited for the inevitable, but it never came. There was a swish of robes and a strangling noise. "Keep away from the boy, if you know what is best for you." growled a rich deep voice. Yugi's violet eyes peeked open a crack and saw the most welcome sight in the world. Rishid stood between him and the attacker, his broad back faced Yugi and one of the bodyguard's large hands had lifted the man into the air by his neck, avoiding his kicking legs and flailing arms. With a disgusted grunt, Rishid threw the man to the ground. "Tell whoever that sent you, that they will not be laying a finger on any of the boys. If there is another attempt, I will not hold back, I shall snap their necks and leave them as an example to any others." The man nodded and scurried away, kicking up sand in his wake.

As Rishid turned to face him, Yugi looked into the golden eyes thankfully. All that was given back was a nod of acknowledgement, "You should be more wary of those around you, little one," rebuked Rishid lightly. Yugi hung his head and a faint blush spread across his face: yet again his naivety had put his friends in danger. He should have sensed that something was wrong from the beginning.

"I'll do that," said Yugi. "Thank you, Rishid." As he gave the large man a respectful bow, a firm hand rested on his shoulder.

"There is no need for you to bow. I do my duty, which is watching out for Master Malik and those that he cares for," answered Rishid, a note of protest in his voice. Yugi straightened up and gave him a cheerful smile before they set back off, trudging through the sand. They walked in a comfortable silence.

Before Yugi reached to pull open the flap to their tent, he glanced back towards Rishid, flashed the man another smile, and ducked inside, anxious to see Ryou's condition.

"Where were you?" complained Malik, lights played around the inside of the tent as a candle's light bounced off the surface of the twirling Millennium Rod. The Egyptian boy offered Yugi a seat next to him on Ryou's cot.

"Oh, I just got a little sidetracked. . .or lost you might say," grinned Yugi, not wanting to worry Malik. Rishid had taken care of his attacker quite well, and the young teen doubted that there would be any more.

Malik's lip curled into an amused smirk. "Smart, Mouto," He laughed, and pointed at another cot on the other side of Ryou's, "There's where you'll be sleeping. I'm going to be over there," he motioned towards the cot next to Yugi's.

"What about Rishid?" asked Yugi, looking around for his recent savior's resting place.

"Rishid?" asked Malik, cocking his head. "He insists on sleeping near the flap." Yugi's eyes could barely discern the outline of a bedroll to the side of the tent opening. "But for now, he's going to be staying outside and keeping watch. Overprotective, but I'm thankful for it." Yugi glanced back towards the opening of the tent, a shadow fell over, and the teen could see the silhouette of Rishid's figure as the moonlight fell on the side of the tent.

"I'm thankful for it too." whispered Yugi to himself.

"What was that?" asked Malik, getting into his cot.

"Oh, nothing." smiled Yugi, he pulled off his boots and collapsed onto the cot. 'Oh wow, how long has it been since I have slept on a real bed? How long until I finally get to?' thought Yugi with a silent laugh, he would just have to make do with what was provided, and what they had.

The next day:

"Wake up! Yugi!"

The boy startled up and rubbed his eyes, trying to get the sleep out of them. "Wha-what is it, Malik?" he yawned blinking back the tears. Ugh, his throat felt so dry, and his mouth was gross. 'I need a bath, and a nice toothbrush to go with it,' thought Yugi. At least during the trip there had been an abundance of water to at least brush, or rather, wash his teeth, but ever since Ryou and he had been transported to this desert, there had been nothing at all. 'At least I know better. Water is precious out here. Can't waste a bit with the luxury of washing teeth, can't we?'

"Yugi! Pay attention! The camp is moving on! If you don't hurry up we're going to be left behind!" hissed Malik pulling Yugi up roughly under the smaller teen's arms.

"Oh! I'm sorry!" Yugi leapt out of his sleeping roll and quickly bundled up his sparse belongings. The tent was beginning to be furled up when the two exited. Rishid was waiting outside, with the same passive look on his face and with Ryou in his arms. The white-haired boy looked a great deal better than he had the night before: his breathing had evened and he wasn't sweating quite as much. But still, he was barely awake in Rishid's gentle but firm clasp, and a wet towel was put over his eyes and forehead, as well as his neck.

"Come, we must not be left behind, Master Malik," said Rishid eyeing the two boys, his golden eyes barely reflecting a glimmer of amusement in them. "One of you will have to help re-wet Ryou's towels every now and then. He's still in need of care." Eagerly, Yugi volunteered for the job, his hand going around his own neck now and again to rub at the warm metal of the Millennium Tauk and the abasing chain of for the Millennium Puzzle. He was sorely tempted to dab at his own neck with the refreshing water, but stopped himself, remembering that not much would be spared for Ryou, and he was the one that needed it the most out of all of them.

o00o

"You're doing good, Yugi. Just keep it up," encouraged Malik, urging the smaller teen forward. He could see a patch of sweat soaking through Yugi's tunic; even the boy's hair seemed to be drooping in the arid heat of the noon desert. They had been walking for a few hours, rather uneventfully. The only sound that followed was the bleating of goats and the swell of voices, rising and falling in the unfamiliar tongue of the Haradrim.

"Thanks," murmured Yugi, passing Malik a small smile. The Egyptian boy nodded back at Yugi and passed him a small round stone.

"Suck on this, it'll take down your thirst," said Malik, he opened a small pouch and offered Yugi a small round stone. "Just make sure you don't swallow it!" teased Malik. Yugi made a face at the teasing and gratefully took the proffered object. Carefully, Malik stuck his own stone in his mouth, his saliva moistening it quickly and keeping him better hydrated as well. It was getting awfully quiet; he glanced around at the women and children around him. Where were all the men? There were a few scattered around, herding animals or helping carry the packs, but most of them had disappeared. A prickling feeling started on the back of his neck. Something wasn't right.

The swell of voices began to rise as notes of panic and disbelief were laced throughout them. Armored warriors scattered the women and children, and Malik felt something being shoved into his arms. He looked up to see Rishid locked against a few of those warriors, his spear shoving them away and knocking them down with swift blows. Ryou stirred restlessly in Malik's grip. "Yugi! Hurry! Stay near me!" shouted Malik. The boy quickly appeared at his side. "Take care of Ryou and stick close to me." Yugi nodded and pulled Ryou closer to him, Malik saw a flash of regret pass across the smaller boy's face, "What's the matter?"

"I just wish I could do something," whispered Yugi with downcast eyes.

Malik gave the boy an awkward smile, unsure of what to do. As a warrior charged towards them, Malik whipped out the small sword that Yugi had given to him and blocked the large club that was swung down towards them. His arms were jarred violently and Malik gritted his teeth as the pain lanced through them. There was a flurry of dark robes and a flash of silver passed in front of Malik's vision. As soon as it passed, he looked down to see his assaulter sprawled on the ground, eyes glazed over in death and blood welling up from his chest. Not too far away, was Rishid shoving off more attackers. 'Thank Ra for giving me a brother like him.'

The warriors slowly backed away, a number of them backed away with slack limbs and others were lying on the ground, still and eyes wide open and unseeing. Malik glanced around and noticed that only he, Yugi, Ryou, and Rishid were left in the tight circle they had formed. Abandoning his sword, he pulled out his Millennium Rod, its golden surface shining in the desert sun. With a dark feeling of disgust, he let the power of the Item flow through him. All around them, the warriors withdrew, shadowed eyes drawn only to Malik. "Let us go," commanded Malik, his voice dripping with the alluring power of the Millennium Rod. There was the sound shuffling feet and a pathway was made through the ranks.

Rishid moved forward and led them out. They had nearly left the mesmerized tribe when a cold laughter rang through the air. Malik gasped and collapsed onto his knees as he felt another power competing ruthlessly against his own control over the people. His grip on his power was like trying to keep water cupped in his hands. There was a violent tug and Malik felt strong arms barely catch him from falling completely onto the ground.

The malicious laugh sounded again across the throng of people and a figure stepped forth. Rishid, fueled by the anger of betrayal and love for his brother, grabbed Malik, and then Yugi who still held Ryou in his arms. And then, he ran.

0oo0

"You still have one right there."

"Where? I can't reach it!"

"Shhh, quiet down Senui. You'll bring all the guards down here with all the noise you're making," murmured Ankhkare, as he delicately removed a large downy feather that was tucked in the creases of Senui's red cloak. Below them, the sound whickering and snorts from horses made them all too aware of their predicament.

"It won't be too long before the guards begin searching in here," Senui growled, jamming his feather back into his turban. Hurriedly he rose up and shook off the straw that clung to his dark robes. His eyes darted around looking for an exit. A stable, of all the places they had run to…wait, a stable.

Ankhkare glanced at Senui and raised an eyebrow, "What are you grinning about?"

"Shut your trap and follow me. I think I've found our way out," was all Senui said as he swung himself off of the loft. Ankhkare slowly clambered down after him. The nearby horses whinnied softly, startled by their abrupt appearance. Senui pulled open the doors to one of the stalls. The owner of the stall, a large chocolate mare, shied away and pranced side-to-side. Cautiously, Senui moved forward, stopping only to scoop up some oats that were gathered in a trough. He slowly brought his hand forward and let the mare catch his scent. Her ears twitched and she snorted.

Senui heard a soft exclamation of amazement from Ankhkare as the mare began lipping the oats in his hand. He smiled and ran his hand firmly over her head.

"I didn't know you had a way with horses," said Ankhkare after a moment of silence. He stepped nearer and gently rubbed the mare's flank, but his eyes soon rested back on Senui.

"Do you think that all I did was harass Seth during every waking moment of my past life?" laughed Senui. He picked up a saddle that hung from the stall wall and began addressing the horse. "You're going to play quite well into my plan."

"What is your plan exactly?" asked Ankhkare. If Ankhkare had been any normal being, Senui would have heard a slightly dry note to the healer's voice, but it was not so. Instead, the man's voice was filled with expectancy, and touched with worry. The sound of heavy feet running around outside the stable was the reason for the latter.

"For her to ride hard, for me to pray to Anubis and Thoth that all will go well, and to make sure that you don't fall off of the horse," snapped Senui, as he fastened the last buckle on the saddle. Quickly, he mounted the mare; Ankhkare stepped a little closer, took Senui's proffered hand and was helped onto the mare behind Senui.

The mare neighed as Senui pulled on the reins and galloped out of the stable. Ankhkare wrapped his arms tightly around Senui's waist. Shouts of surprise and anger followed them and guards poured into the street, only to be swept aside by the rushing steed.

"Senui! The gate!" shouted Ankhkare, pointing ahead. The judge turned from watching the crowds behind them to focus on the obstacle ahead. Lifting one hand away from the reins, he focused his Shadow power. At the last moment, he released them, the gate groaned and burst open.

Moments later, all that could be seen was a dot on the edge of the horizon where they soon disappeared.

0oo0

Ankhkare slipped off of the mare's back and let himself fall into the ocean of grass beneath them. Senui had stopped the mare, worried that she might get too tired out to keep on riding. Her flanks were foaming with sweat and her breathing was labored. Ankhkare rose and reached into her saddlebags. A soft rag met his fingertips and he pulled it out, he slowly began rubbing her down. Senui on the other hand, lay in the grass, in a sort of daze. Ankhkare smiled and shook his head; the adrenaline must have left the man's system leaving him quite drained.

The mare interrupted his thoughts and butted him gently with her forehead. Ankhkare realized that he had stopped all actions while watching Senui and quickly resumed giving his attention to the horse.

0000

Blissful darkness, tendrils of shadow reached out and caressed pale skin. Dreamless darkness, empty, like a void. "Yami?" Crimson eyes flickered open, searching for the source of the painfully familiar voice.

"Watashi no hikari (my light)," whispered a surprisingly hoarse voice.

Wide violet eyes twinkled back at him; Yugi cocked his head to a side and smiled. "I've been looking for you, Yami. Are you alright? You don't look too well."

Overwhelming relief filled the spirit's entire being, and he managed a melancholy smile. "I've been looking for you too, Yugi. A lot of things have happened since I last saw you. Are you doing alright?" Before the boy could answer, the shadows began swirling around his body. Yami watched in horror as they dragged Yugi away. In the boy's place, a fiery eye emerged; it somehow seemed to be mocking his protests and attempts to run after Yugi.

"Come to me…"

The images were dashed away and replaced by darkness yet again. But it was different. Scents of fresh greens and a new spring tickled his olfactory senses. Sounds of grass swishing in the wind filled his ears. Yami opened his eyes and found himself laying on the ground and looking at the face of a very ragged and sleeping Bakura. He studied the other's features, unconsciously noting that the tomb robber seemed stripped of many years while he wasn't in the realm of awakening.

"A few of his ribs are broken, and he's missing quite a bit of blood. I'm surprised that he managed to make it out of that place without me carrying him." commented a voice. Yami twisted quickly too look behind him, too quickly. A sharp pain lanced through his side and he cursed. Strong hands gently eased him back into a comfortable position. He just stared in shock.

The Not-So-Dark Magician raised an eyebrow and then smiled. "I apologize for startling you, your highness." Yami just gaped, unsure of what to make of the situation.

"Who are you?"