The Eternal Gem

This is the Sequel to Rebirth…

(order of Yu-Gi-Oh stories to be read: The Lost Pharaoh, Rebirth, The Eternal Gem. If you haven't read The Lost Pharaoh or Rebirth you won't understand a lot of what is going on.)

Synopsis: Takes place a week after Rebirth. Egypt has gone back to a peaceful state with the final destruction of Kontar. Keith has been locked up for contributing to the deaths. Yuugi is finding that his love for Yami is still growing and Ryou and Bakura's mysterious relationship begins to blossom. Isis is still hiding the secret about her brother's whereabouts and his search for the Eternal Gem. And just when everything's looking perfect, Yuugi and Ryou realize that there's another problem arising—the biggest one of all: the fear that they might not be able to remain with their true loves.

WARNING: there will be yaoi content (boyxboy romance/relationships). Couples established: YamixYuugi and RyouxBakura. There will be, somewhere along the story eventually, TWO LEMONS which will be graphic sex scenes. So anyone under age, PLEASE DO NOT READ THOSE PARTS if it will offend, traumatize or have any negative affect on you.

Genres: Romance and humor are the main genres. There will be suspense and some action too!

Prologue:

Soft, sweet-smelling summer wind blew the silky fabric away from his body, lifting up the bottom of the long lavender robe. Yuugi breathed in deeply, closing his eyes in relaxation. It was perfect; everything was absolutely perfect. He already felt like he had lived in Egypt his whole life; it had become his new home even though he had only been crowned prince a week ago. It felt like longer though. Yuugi opened his eyes and leaned against the railing of the patio. Glancing over his shoulder he peered through the open patio doors toward the large plush bed a distance away but in view. He could see Yami's slumbering form. The wind had blown some of the sheets off his body so Yuugi could see his smooth, tan skin almost glowing as the dawn rays caressed him. Normally Yami woke up before him, but for some reason Yuugi couldn't sleep. His stomach had been churning a bit throughout the night as if something were wrong, but standing outside the patio looking across at the beautiful Egyptian land that he would see every day from there on out, ruling beside Yami, he couldn't see anything wrong. For once in his life everything was going right.

It had been difficult at first and very frightening. Yuugi could still remember accidentally falling into the Mu river and being pulled down the waterfall. He remembered seeing Horus for the first time; those beautiful golden-yellow wings and red eyes—eyes so much like Yami's. And he could still picture the gorgeous tomb that had been coated with gold to symbolize the Pharaoh of Egypt. It had all seemed like a memory from long ago but it had only been nearly a year ago that it had all started: the prophecy, the Orb, meeting Kontar and finding out how powerful and cruel he was. And then…then it became harder the second time around when Kontar came back using the Millennium Scale. It wasn't just harder because things took a turn for the worst when Yami, Shadi, Isis, Marik and Bakura were captured, as well as Yuugi and Ryou who had been trapped in Kontar's fortress, but also because Yuugi was dealing with his feelings for Yami. They had gotten to know each other so well in such a short amount of time not just because of their fight together with Kontar, but because they were fated to meet; and because they understood each other so well. Yuugi thought Yami was perfect in every way and felt so safe around him, but he was afraid when the safe feeling inside turned to butterflies.

Yuugi's cheeks turned pink as he remembered their first kiss. It had been intimate but sweet and full of love. It had been so right…And he remembered when Yami's crown had glowed after their kiss and the crown he had given Yuugi for Christmas had glowed too. At the time Yuugi didn't understand what it meant, but later on when he had to battle Kontar with Yami's powers he understood. It had meant that Yami trusted him with every part of his being and since he wasn't completely human when they kissed Yuugi sensed the power he held within and because they loved each other so dearly the power was able to spread to Yuugi as well; at least when they were that close. Their crowns didn't glow after they made love though, which Yuugi was curious about. He worried that maybe it meant he couldn't sense Yami's power anymore. Even if that were true though, it wasn't like he needed Yami's powers. Kontar had been defeated and Egypt was back to its peaceful state. So why was he having trouble sleeping when everything was alright?

Sighing, he shook his head trying to forget the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. Everything was perfect and he had Yami so there was no reason to worry. Yuugi stepped back inside the room and approached the bed where Yami was still slumbering soundly. Bending down, Yuugi placed a soft kiss against Yami's cheek and smiled as Yami moved gently beneath the covers but remained sleeping.

"I still can't believe a whole week has passed since the end of the festival. It's only felt like a day," Yuugi sighed.

Yami turned a bit in the bed and Yuugi glanced down at him. Smiling, Yuugi untied his robe, hanging it back over the chair by the table, and slipped back into bed. He scooted up against Yami's warm back and wound his arms around him. Yami made a sound in his sleep, sighing contently and Yuugi kissed his shoulder, nuzzling up against him as he fell back to sleep.

A few hours later Yuugi opened his eyes, waking up from a very pleasant dream. He had dreamt that he and Yami had gotten married and sailed off together on a boat that had the Egyptian symbol of the Eye of Horus on it with Yami's intelligent and trustworthy bird Horus on his shoulder. They had been dressed in the most elegant robes, though the details of them Yuugi couldn't remember only that it had been perfect. Although he and Yami were together now to rule by each other's sides, and Yuugi was now Prince of the Egyptian kingdom, he had often thought about marrying Yami. Technically it was almost like they were married only they hadn't kissed during the crowning ceremony and it wasn't viewed as a marital commitment, but rather blessing Yuugi with the power to rule with Yami. He wanted everyone to know they were in love though. He was still a bit shy and hadn't ever kissed Yami on the lips in front of his viziers or even Ryou, but now that he was thinking about it if anything could make him happier it would be marrying Yami in front of all his people and having a glorious celebration.

Yawning, Yuugi rolled over to see that Yami wasn't in bed. The room appeared empty with Yami no where in sight. He blinked and sat up wondering when Yami had woken up. As far as he knew, Yami didn't need to be anywhere early since he didn't have a meeting until that evening. Yami didn't say what sort of meeting it was or who it was with, so it left Yuugi very curious. He hoped it wasn't about anything serious. The door to the bathroom opened and Yuugi nearly jumped, having been lost in thought. Yami stepped out in his flowing bath robe and Yuugi smiled lovingly.

"Morning Yami," he said, blushing as the ivory-white bath robe reminded him of his dream about marrying Yami.

Yami's eyes flickered over to him as he finished drying his hair and his eyes brightened immensely as the familiar soft smile appeared on his face.

"Good morning Yuugi. I'm glad you slept well."

Yuugi blinked curiously. "What do you mean?"

Yami smiled. "I woke up a little while ago and you were smiling in your sleep. Although I was a little concerned because your face felt warm, but I checked you over to make sure you didn't have a fever."

Yuugi tried to hide the blush that crept up onto his face. Quickly, he decided to change the topic.

"Yami, what is the meeting about?" he asked.

He watched as Yami walked over the polished wooden closet and began changing into one of his day robes.

"I'm meeting with an old friend, Mahado. Hadi, Isis, Minkah, Shadi and the others from the group helping me protect the Millennium Items, will also be there. Together we're going to try and work on figuring out a way to release the powers from the Dagger of Anubus."

Yuugi nodded. "I see. Um…would it be alright if I came with you?"

Yami turned and smiled at him once he clipped the robe together. "You are always welcome to come anywhere with me, Yuugi, especially now that we rule together. You needn't have to ask permission anymore."

Yuugi's expression lit up, causing his violet eyes to shimmer with happiness. Yami approached him, completely dressed now in his dark purple robe that wrapped elegantly around his waist leaving most of his chest bare, and sat on the bed beside him. He then put a warm hand on Yuugi's forehead, trailing his fingers through his hair. Yuugi closed his eyes, feeling the massaging sensation of his fingers down his scalp and then to his cheek. Yuugi tilted his head sighing contently at the feel and Yami's fingers ran down his neck to his bare shoulder and across his chest. Yuugi shivered as it tickled him as the warm, gentle fingers caressed his skin, trailing back and forth. The fingers came up on the other side of his neck and Yuugi tilted his head to make it easier. As his skin was tickled, Yami's hand stopped at his chin. Yuugi's eyes remained closed and he felt his chin being lifted. Warm, soft lips pressed passionately against his and Yuugi made a sound in the back of his throat, leaning forward and wrapping his arms around Yami's neck.

Yuugi tilted his head as the kissing became more passionate. Their noses brushed up against each other and Yuugi's fingers trailed up the back of Yami's neck into his hair. Yami pulled away slowly taking deep breaths as their lips gently detached. Yuugi opened his eyes staring into Yami's face. He pushed himself closer, his hands behind Yami's head to keep them close.

"One more kiss," Yuugi said.

Yami smiled and leaned in again, capturing Yuugi's lips between his in an open-mouthed kiss. Yuugi's heart jumped and he pushed forward even more until his bare chest was touching Yami's. Then Yuugi opened his mouth wide as their lips broke and came back together quickly. One of his hands came from behind Yami's head to Yami's face, touching his chin gently. They broke apart again and Yuugi gently pressed his forehead against Yami's.

"Tonight the meeting shouldn't take very long," Yami said quietly, keeping one arm wrapped around Yuugi's waist as he stared deeply in his eyes. "We're only discussing possibilities for what we should do now about the Dagger. We'll be back by supper time and if you'd like we can eat it up here together. I know for the past few days we've been eating with Hadi and his group, and also with Isis, and I've been mostly discussing plans to make Egypt more prosperous and to have a plan in case another attack or something disastrous happens again. However, tonight you and I can spend time together without worrying about duties, until tomorrow that is," he smiled.

Yuugi returned the smile and stroked Yami's cheek. "I'd love that. I want some time to be alone with you."

Yami grasped the hand that was stroking his cheek and kissed it. Then he bent forward a bit and kissed Yuugi's cheek.

"Yes, we will have time together. I know it's been a bit busier than I expected lately. It is difficult sometimes to rule over such a large country even during times of peace, but it will get easier. And once a few more things are taken care of we'll have more free time to take some trips around Egypt and have time together. I know you haven't had much time to spend with your friend Ryou either. It seems he's doing a very good job with helping Fidil out with things. Fidil tells me Ryou very much enjoys living here and learning about our customs," Yami smiled graciously.

"Yeah, that is like him," Yuugi laughed lightly. "And I knew agreeing to this wouldn't be easy. I mean, I never expected this duty to be taken lightly. I know we're going to have lots of things to do and many events to go to, but I love this place. And helping it become a better place makes me happy. Even if we can't spend every minute of every day together, we'll be together for the most part and we'll have plenty of opportunities to spend some time alone."

Yami nodded in agreement. "Yes, we will. I must go downstairs for a minute to talk to Fidil. I'll let you rest some more."

"Okay," Yuugi grinned, kissing Yami's lips once more.

Yami gently released the hold on Yuugi's hand and gave him another loving smile before walking out of the room. Yuugi sighed contently and lay back down under the covers. He was so lucky to have become a part of Yami's life, even if it was at first because of a prophecy. If he hadn't awakened Yami he would've never met him and who knows, if Yami hadn't been awakened ahead of schedule because of Yuugi, Kontar might've found a way to prevent him from waking up. He was definitely certain things happened for a reason. And now that Kontar was gone there weren't heavy burdens that he and Yami had to deal with. Still…now all Yuugi worried about was getting up the courage to ask Yami if he wanted to expand their relationship. They were already bound together as soul mates and royalty to Egypt, and they were in love so Yuugi guessed Yami would be considered his boyfriend, but he wanted it to be more permanent. Even though Yami told him he could live there with him for eternity, he wanted to eventually marry him so they could be bound together by vows of love. They were already bound by love, but…even though marriage wouldn't change how they felt about each other, and even if they never got married they'd always love each other the same and live together, but Yuugi wanted that step. It felt like a continuation of their love; a way to show that they loved each other eternally. Sure, marriage wouldn't change their relationship, but it would make everything seem that much more perfect.

"I shouldn't be so selfish though," Yuugi whispered aloud. "I don't want to rush our relationship. I mean, we're already together eternally and I've changed the course of an entire prophecy and Egyptian law, since for the first time there are now two rulers, but…I love him so much I just want to bound to him in all ways, including marriage. I know we've only been together a year, but…we've made love and we're living together so why not make it official?" he blushed, hoping that Yami wasn't near to hear him. "I just don't know how to ask him."

Sitting back, Yuugi thought about the dream he had and smiled dreamily. It would be perfect to be bound by marriage, even though without out it wasn't like they weren't in love, or bound together. Still, it would make him so happy. And once he could kiss Yami in public in their wedding, it would take away his fear of showing intimacy toward Yami in front of people. He was certain his viziers wouldn't mind, but he didn't know if anyone else besides him thought of Yami as his boyfriend. Marriage would make it very obvious they were ruling together but that they were in love too. Yuugi shook his head. He couldn't stop thinking about it!

The door opened and Yuugi blushed and looked away, not wanting to look Yami in the eye, in case somehow he could read minds. He would ask Yami eventually, but he wanted to find a romantic way to do it. The only reason he planned to do it was that he was certain Yami didn't know a lot about marriage. It wasn't that Yami wouldn't propose to him, but it wasn't in his custom. He hadn't grown up knowing or thinking a lot about marriage since his fate had always been to die for his people and rule alone. So Yuugi knew it was up to him, since Yami probably wasn't thinking about that. Yami wasn't as materialistic because in his era he had limited knowledge of things beyond his duties and taking care of Egypt. He might not even know about an engagement ring or how to propose at all. But that was alright. It wasn't like it was wrong for Yuugi to propose to Yami. Besides, Yami would be content just to have him always by his side, not worrying about having a huge celebration and having to show everyone they were together. He knew it and showed love to Yuugi always and that was what mattered to him. Yami was the type to care about the deeper parts. Yuugi knew he was a tad materialistic because of the era he was born in. It wasn't like he wouldn't be happy if he didn't marry Yami, but he just wanted to. And that way, he'd be able to give something special to Yami since Yami had given him all his love, sharing his power and palace and home. Yuugi wanted to be the one to give a treasure to Yami—his entire love and show to the world how much he cared about Yami.

He was so lost in thoughts he forgot that he had been staring out the patio door for some time.

"Yami, I…," Yuugi trailed off, blinking as his eyes set sight on the figure that entered.

Bakura stood looking around, having left the door open as he stepped in. He turned when Yuugi spoke, noticing him in the bed. Coming closer, he crossed his arms.

"Where is the pharaoh? I need to speak to him," Bakura said casually.

"Um, he just left to go speak with Fidil. He should be back soon. What do you need to see him about?" Yuugi asked, blinking curiously.

Bakura looked away momentarily. "Nothing you need to concern yourself with Yuugi."

"Oh," Yuugi said, a bit surprised that Bakura had called him by his name for the first time.

He could tell Bakura was a good person on the inside. He didn't always like to show it on the outside; he liked to be tough, sarcastic and teasing, especially to Ryou, but he was still good.

"So, Bakura, I take it this means you're staying in the palace as well?" Yuugi asked, sitting up carefully.

Bakura shrugged. "I suppose. The pharaoh told me I could. In fact, he said it'd probably be better now that I have complete control over a Millennium Item. So now that I'm staying here he asked if he could let some poor couple have my old house. I guess their home had been destroyed by Kontar's men recently."

"And you gave it to them?" Yuugi smiled.

Bakura rolled his eyes. "Yes, well I have no need for it. Don't look at me like I'm sappy, because I'm not."

Yuugi chuckled lightly. "I won't, don't worry."

"What exactly is the prince doing in bed this late anyway?" Bakura asked, his eyes locking onto him.

It was then Bakura's eyes observed him more carefully. A slow, familiar smirk took place on his features and he stepped closer. Yuugi didn't like the expression on his face; it was just like the expression in the restaurant the week before when he had embarrassed Yuugi by implying that he and Yami were lovers. In a way it was true, only they weren't lovers because they didn't just make love, they loved each other with every ounce of their heart. And though Bakura assumed they had made love a lot, he didn't know for sure. Bakura walked closer until he stopped just by the edge of the bed, staring at him intensely.

"I see now why you've slept in. You had a busy night didn't you," his smirk widened as he stared at Yuugi's state of dress.

Bakura could only see his bare chest since the rest of his body was beneath the sheets. Yuugi's eyes widened and his cheeks darkened in embarrassment as he realized what Bakura was assuming.

"W-what?" Yuugi stammered.

Bakura's eyes narrowed teasingly and he uncrossed his arms. "You and Yami must've been having a pretty nice time last night for you to still be tired, huh? How many times did you do it?"

"You're wrong!" Yuugi exclaimed, blushing vividly. "And anyway our relationship is none of your business, Bakura!"

He sneered. "Oh, but it is! For I told you that I knew what you two were doing, and this is proof!"

"There is no proof! You're wrong!" Yuugi exclaimed hurriedly, instinctively pulling the sheets closer to his body.

Bakura's eyes noticed him pulling the sheets toward him and smirked wider.

"I'm wrong, huh? Then let's see how wrong I am!" he exclaimed, grabbing a hold of the sheets.

"No, stop it!" Yuugi exclaimed in embarrassment, trying to dig himself beneath the sheets.

Bakura tugged but was unable to loosen the sheets because of Yuugi's position and because he was delving further under them. In annoyance, Bakura knelt on the bed and reached over, grabbing Yuugi's arms. He pulled him out of the bed to find he was tangled in the silk sheet that had been underneath the main sheet. Yuugi made a squeak-like sound as Bakura tried to take the silk sheet off of him.

"I know I'm right! If I wasn't then how come you won't let me see?" Bakura exclaimed, trying to pin Yuugi as he struggled violently.

"Why is it your business!"

"To humiliate the pharaoh, of course! If I am sure you're lovers I can hold that over his head and threaten to tell all of Egypt unless he—hey! Hold still! Stop that!" Bakura exclaimed.

Yuugi was struggling so hard, trying to get off the bed and make a run for the door. Bakura managed to grab the sheet and since Yuugi didn't want it to fall off him he held onto it. That was a mistake since Bakura lifted him back onto the bed and quickly moved over Yuugi, pinning his arms down and squeezing his hips with his legs so he couldn't move. Bakura was knelt over him, on his knees, holding Yuugi's arms above his head and keeping his legs still.

"Now let's see," Bakura smirked as he managed to rip the sheet from Yuugi's body and quickly pin him again as he struggled.

"GET OFF!" Yuugi exclaimed, blushing as the sheet was torn off his body leaving him clad in his underwear in front of Bakura.

Bakura seemed a little disappointed since he expected Yuugi to be naked.

"I told you!" Yuugi exclaimed, struggled violently again. "And why in the world would you want to see me naked!"

Bakura's expression turned into one of great annoyance. "I don't want to see you naked! If you're implying that I have some deep sexual attraction to you then you've been sleeping with the pharaoh too long!"

"Then why did you take the sheet off thinking I was naked?" Yuugi shouted, still blushing but managing to glare up at him even as he was pinned awkwardly.

"So that I could see if I was right! Not because I wanted to know what you looked like without clothes on! I should've expected that you had strange customs!" Bakura snorted. "So I take it that seeing someone naked is a sure sign that you want them from where you come from, huh? Well, just so we're clear I had no such intention. At least in my time it was no big deal to see another person naked! So quit making such a big fuss!"

"Well it is a big deal! Now that you know, get off me!"

"I'm not getting off until you tell me the truth!" Bakura snapped, keeping him pinned tightly.

Yuugi glared at him while struggling. "Why exactly do you want to blackmail Yami?"

"That's my business!" Bakura exclaimed. "Tell me, are you lovers!"

"NO!" Yuugi shouted, startling Bakura. "Now get off of me! If someone finds us in this position—"

"Oh stop making a big deal out of nothing!"

"NO! How can you be so calm? If you don't get off me right now I'll…I'll tell Ryou you have an infatuation with me," Yuugi blurted out before he could stop himself.

Bakura's eyes narrowed and he leaned in toward Yuugi's face. "I DO NOT WANT TO HAVE SEX WITH YOU!"

Just as his sentence echoed, Yuugi heard something and turned to see Yami standing in the doorway staring at them. Yuugi's heart thudded loudly and he nearly screamed aloud. Bakura's eyes fell on Yami too, even as he was kneeling over Yuugi.

"Pharaoh! You—"

"YAMI WAIT!" Yuugi screamed suddenly, kicking Bakura in the stomach and causing him to fall right off the bed with a loud thud.

Yuugi leaped off the bed and ran toward Yami, feeling his eyes sting with tears that threatened to fall. He had just been thinking about how lucky he was that he had such love with Yami and about how he wanted to marry him then Yami had to find him in that position.

"Yami!" Yuugi screamed, embracing him tightly and allowing his tears to fall. "I'm sorry, please, it's not what it looks like! Please don't hate me!"

"Yuugi, calm down," Yami said gently, bending down and pulling him into a tight embrace. "What's the matter?" he asked, as Yuugi stared up into his face, sniffling.

"I thought…I thought you would be upset to see Bakura and I…like that," Yuugi sniffled again, his lip trembling. "We didn't do anything I swear. It's not how it looks, it—"

"Give it a rest!" Bakura snapped, having lifted himself off the floor, glaring. "I told you not to make a fuss! Around here being in the same room with someone even with one person undressed DOES NOT MEAN ANYTHING!" he shouted. "Yami! You have to teach him not to fuss over such small things! It's annoying and I did NOT appreciate being kicked off the bed!"

Yami stood up and stared at Bakura while keeping an arm around Yuugi. "Bakura, please stop shouting, I'm right here. And you've upset Yuugi. He doesn't only come from a different country, but a different era. You can't expect him to know how everyone around here thinks, especially since it depends on the individual."

Bakura glared and stomped over toward him. "Fine, whatever! Look, we need to talk!"

"Alright, but first apologize to Yuugi. That was very rude, Bakura."

"I told him it didn't mean anything!" Bakura exclaimed, gesturing to Yuugi.

Yami nodded. "I understand, but you did hold him down without his permission and it upset him."

Bakura glared harshly at Yami then sighed in annoyance. He glanced down at Yuugi who had stopped sniffling but his eyes were still shining with tears and he pressed up against Yami's side.

"I'm sorry," he said bluntly.

Yuugi nodded curtly and Bakura's eyes went back to Yami. "Can we talk now?"

Yami smiled and nodded, glancing down at Yuugi. "Why don't you get dressed, Yuugi. I'll meet you downstairs. Ryou is down there as well and he wishes to see you."

Yuugi wiped at his eyes and smiled, relieved that everything was alright. "Okay."

Yuugi then glanced at Bakura as he turned around. "Sorry I kicked you off the bed, Bakura."

Bakura grumbled, "It's fine. I'll live."

Yuugi watched as the two of them walked out of the room. Once they left, Yuugi slumped down onto the bed, thankful that assumptions weren't made so easy, at least in Yami's time. He got up and began to get dressed, wondering why Bakura wanted to know if he and Yami made love. How would that be embarrassing? Perhaps in Yami's time, being lovers was a bad thing. Not that it mattered because they weren't lovers. Yami was his boyfriend, but still…he wondered why Bakura wanted to hold something over Yami's head in the first place. As he dressed, Yuugi thought about it for a second.

He and Yami had made love, three times total to be exact. They hadn't made love since a week ago, but they snuggled together every night and Yami was always showing him love. A couple nights ago they took a bath together again, but it was really late so Yuugi didn't ask Yami if they could make love again. He wondered what his grandpa would say if he knew he had already lost his virginity. Even though they were considered a couple, they weren't married and Yuugi was considered very young nowadays to have taken that big step. Still, he didn't regret it at all. Even Yami had been concerned about rushing things. Was he rushing their relationship? Maybe he shouldn't be thinking about marriage yet? But if they were in love and they had already made love together, why shouldn't they get married? It would only allow them to say how much they loved each other in front of everyone so that they'd be known as a couple.

Yuugi wondered how things were going with Ryou and Bakura. Though he hadn't spoken with Ryou about it, he knew Ryou really liked Bakura, probably just as much as he had liked Yami in the beginning. Maybe he was even in love too. They hadn't had time to sit down and talk much lately, but hopefully Yuugi would have time soon. Now that he thought about it, Bakura had seemed especially angry when Yuugi had told him he'd tell Ryou. He hadn't actually expected Bakura to be intimidated, but maybe Bakura liked Ryou just as much. Smiling, Yuugi came up with an instant idea. If Bakura decided to still try and delve into figuring out Yuugi and Yami's relationship and trying to humiliate Yami, then perhaps Yuugi would have to get some proof about Bakura liking Ryou so that he could have something to hold over Bakura's head. That way, Bakura wouldn't be able to humiliate Yami. And also, Yuugi would feel better about having something to hold over Bakura's head since Bakura knew more about the modern technologies than Yami. At the restaurant he had mentioned video recording devices, though he didn't know what they were called, which meant Bakura might actually try and record them making love.

Yuugi blushed in embarrassment even in the empty room. He hoped Bakura wouldn't go so low! He didn't want Bakura to see them in an intimate moment. Yuugi wouldn't go so low as that ever, even if Bakura tried to do that. All he really needed were some pictures of Bakura and Ryou together, just hugging or something. That would cause embarrassment on Bakura's part since, if he did like Ryou, he wouldn't want everyone to know he had a soft spot. Yuugi finished getting dressed and then left the room to head downstairs with everyone else.

XXXXXX

The Forbidden Library

Another book was closed and set in the stack of books that were already examined. Every book and piece of furniture in the room was covered with years upon years worth of dust and cobwebs. Isis sighed and glanced at the pile she had already looked at. Feeling a bit nervous, she looked around the room again to make sure she was alone.

She knew she had done something unspeakable. No one was allowed to go into the Forbidden Library. It had been sealed off ever since Yami's father had ruled. All the banned books and items were in the Forbidden Library, some from previous generations as well. The Forbidden Library was beneath Yami's father's tomb. She had broken into his tomb, which was against Egyptian law, but luckily she didn't have to disturb the chamber in which his body lay. Yami knew about the Forbidden Library even as a child, but it hadn't been touched in so long. It even had magical protections on the doors so no one would enter, but Isis was able to with her Millennium Item. It was something she never thought she'd do; breaking a rule against the pharaoh, but she felt she had to. The Forbidden Library was the only place that could have information on the Eternal Gem.

She accepted that once the pharaoh found out she'd have to face the consequences, but until then it would continue to be a secret, including the secret about her brother's whereabouts in his new hideout and his determination to find this Eternal Gem. Unfortunately, Isis was in a terrible predicament. Not only was she going against her pharaoh in order to help her brother, but she was going against her brother as well. For he wanted the Eternal Gem for himself, but she wasn't researching it just for him, but to find out if it was real and if it would help the dangerous problem concerning Yuugi and Ryou. She felt that very soon Yuugi and Ryou would feel the stress on their bodies from being so close to Millennium Items when their bodies couldn't handle it. At first, she thought perhaps it was fine, because they hadn't been affected when first brought close to the Millennium Items and still it didn't affect them throughout the fight with Kontar both times.

However, she was now realizing that it was a gradual process. The Millennium Items were actually draining energy from them each time they were really close to them. Yuugi would most likely start feeling it first since Yami possessed two Millennium Items. Sooner or later though, they would begin to feel weak and then they would feel unbearable pain and wouldn't even be able to be in the same room as Yami, Bakura or anyone with Millennium Items. And if nothing was done about it, eventually they would slip into a coma and die.

That was what Isis wanted to prevent. She knew once Yami found out he would want to save Yuugi at all costs, including sending him back home to Japan. It would break Yuugi's heart completely, and Ryou's and of course the pharaoh would be broken as well. If they couldn't be together it would kill them emotionally anyway. So whether they were separated or together, it would destroy them. Isis knew they would all want to remain together for eternity no matter what the costs so if this Eternal Gem was real, it might be the answer. If it was…she would be betraying her brother's trust by giving the details to Yami and helping Yami find it. She wanted to be on her brother's side, but not at the cost of lives, or the broken hearts of Yuugi, Ryou and her pharaoh. Bakura too would probably resort back to his violent stage and begin to tear apart tombs and sanctuaries. That would again cause havoc and Egypt would no longer be peaceful.

Egypt needed Yuugi and Ryou…that was why they were connected to the prophecies and the only ones in thousands of years to change a prophecy and be connected with such power. If they left it would cause great devastation, but if they stayed they would die. There was no way around it except to find a way to make Yuugi and Ryou immortal. And the only way that she saw was with this Eternal Gem that could grant any one wish.

Sighing heavily, Isis decided that she would have to continue searching through the books some other time. For the time being, she would have to put on a false smile in front of her pharaoh and the others. Soon her brother would contact her again, asking if she had had a vision or found any information on the Eternal Gem that would help him. It was hurting her to have to go against the two people she loved dearly, but it was for everyone's own good, including all of Egypt. She couldn't let the powerful bond between the Millennium Items, Ryou and Yuugi, all the people, and her pharaoh along with the rest of those owning Millennium items be broken. It would most likely prove to be another dangerous journey for her pharaoh and the others, but if they wanted eternal happiness and peace to live together and have a prospering country all at once, they needed to deal with one more dilemma. And then they would all be set free.

Blowing out the dim candle, Isis left the room, closing the door slowly once again and made her way through the tunnel of the previous ruler's tomb and headed out. She peered around the tomb's entrance to make sure no one was around to see her leave it before she closed it back up and headed in the direction of the palace. She hoped she still had some time to find information before the problem became serious. Only time would tell.

XXXXXX

TO BE CONTINUED…

Hey everyone! I've gotten the sequel up sooner than expected! Hope you enjoy it!