Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Flying With the Birds ❯ Secrets Told and Items of Gold ( Chapter 3 )

 

Emmy: HELLO! Sorry for the absence, my computer went crazy and I got writers block!

 

Iyuna: Yea...she got writers block *Not paying attention*

 

Emmy: I had to bring out a BULDOZER to get this one out of the way! But here we are and we're happy happy happy because I FINISHED and my lovely betas did such a good job! *gives beta Myra and beta Ryou cookies* Ryou is my muse/beta =D

 

Iyuna: Mine is me. By the way for members of the Zut fan club some info He's a norigen spigetti penguin who enjoys longs walks on the beach and candle light dinners

 

Emmy: *scuttles to corner* *hisses* Zuuuut...potties...

 

Iyuna: no he doesn't he's magic and is really 6 feet tall

 

Emmy: *fangs* NOOOOOO! *growls* A-anyway....I hope you like this chapter! ^_^ I worked so hard, I was a good authoress right Iyuna-kun?! Right?! *puppy eyes*

 

Iyuna: Get over yourself their just waiting for a lemon

 

Emmy: *shifty eyes* Nuuuh uhhhh....

 

Ryou: May I point out that real snakes could not survive just underground, and that pythons and other large snakes don't live in the desert.

 

Iyuna: Yes they could. They could eat rats and search other

 

Emmy: Does it matter? NO! I'm twitchy and tired and about to kill someone because I've been working on this last chapter for WEEKS! SO LETS HIT IT!

 

Iyuna: May the force be with you

 

Ryou: They do not own Yugioh.

 

XXX

 

Ryou moaned. Hid head was throbbing with pain. Why? Why was his bed so hard and itchy? Why was everything so dark?

 

`Oh,' he thought dumbly. `Because my eyes are closed.'

 

He slowly opened his eyes, blinking at the bleary shapes in front of him. It took him a moment to realize where he was. He gasped! This was definitely not his bedroom! Sitting up he looked around. It was dark, and smelly. He realized he was lying on a bed of hay with only a feeble blanket to keep him warm. He gasped once more, as he noticed the skeletons hanging across the room. Whimpering he tried to get up, to get away from those nasty things but as he rose he felt something heavy way down on his ankle. He looked down and found himself chained to the wall. Grimacing, the Prince pulled and wiggled but the iron held firm. He fearfully looked around the room again, but saw that the skeletons were his only company. He crumpled to his knees.

 

“Ok…” he began to speak aloud. “Just stay calm…you have to think about this rationally. First off, how did I get here?” All of a sudden memories of the night before came back to him. Those figures! That man with the scar! He shuddered to think of that horrible scar, and how that man could have gotten it. That man…his eyes so blood red, like a demon's!

 

Hugging his knees to his chest Ryou shivered. This prison was so cold…Where could he be? Where had they taken him? He thought about Acacia. What had they done with her? He recalled what the red eyed man had said. “Tie her up, take her with us. She's an amazing specimen…”That didn't sound good at all…What of Ryou's Father? How would he react when he was told Ryou was missing? His poor Father was so ill, how much more could his heart take? Ryou knew he had to get back home as soon as possible. He needed to be with his Father. A sudden ball of worry in his stomach began to grow. It had been there for quite a while, always looming in the back of his mind, but now…

 

`What if Father dies while I'm gone?' thought Ryou. He hated evening thinking of his Father's death, as if thinking about it would make it happen sooner but he couldn't help it… `What if Father dies while I'm here and I never get to say goodbye…What if he never gets to see me marry, so he can die knowing his Kingdom is safely out of Mai's hands?' These thoughts scared him most of all. Tears formed in the corner of his eyes. These worries wouldn't go away…The dread of losing his Father was eating at him inside…Oh how Ryou wished he had Zut with him! He needed his little friend right now more than ever. The Prince felt so alone…

 

“Well now, I see out guest is awake,” a voice said. Ryou jumped! Across the room stood a familiar, red cloaked figure. Now his hood was down, showing off his frightening features for all to see. Ryou sat up straighter, trying to keep his cool. He had to act like a Pharaoh would act and not show his fear. “Did you have a nice sleep little Prince? I know our humble home is nothing compared to the wonderful luxury you must be used to,” sneered the man. Ryou glared at him silently.

 

“What's wrong? Wake up on the wrong side of bed this morning?” he asked. Ryou stood up, arms crossed.

 

“I want answers,” he said firmly.

 

“You haven't asked any questions,” Bakura pointed out with a smirk. Ryou resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

 

“What do you want with me? Why have you brought me here? Are you going to ransom me for money?” Bakura took another step closer so that he was only a few feet away. Ryou suddenly realized how much taller this man was. He kept his ground, unwilling to let this man intimidate him.

 

“Now really I thought someone as royal as you were supposed to be polite. You didn't even ask me my name,” he said with a chuckle. Ryou lifted a brow. The man smirked. “I see you are not aware that you are in the presence of a King.”

 

“King?” Ryou repeated doubtfully. The man's smirk broadened.

 

“Oh yes. I am a King. You may call me Thief King Bakura.” Ryou frowned.

 

`Thief King Bakura…' he thought. `I've heard of this man…if he is truly who he says he is…he must be the fiercest, blood thirsty thief in all the land!' Ryou had heard tales of this man! He defiled Tombs and slaughtered the innocent without a drop of remorse. The Prince felt a little of his courage slip away. The Thief King crossed his arms, towering over Ryou like a great pyramid.

 

“Now, as for your questions; you're playing a pawn in my game. It's something much bigger than your little brain could comprehend so I won't take the time to try and explain it to you. Just know this: I will let you go only when the Pharaoh brings me what I desire. My treasure for his treasure. Until then you'll be staying here, with us. I hope you're comfy,” he explained with a smug grin.

 

`Great…' thought Ryou. “What is it you want from my Father?” Ryou asked, genuinely curious. Bakura shook his head.

 

“That's no concern of yours,” said the thief.

 

“Yes it is, it's my freedom on the line,” he replied crossly. The Thief chuckled in amusement.

 

“True I suppose, little Prince. Let's just say, I am a collector, and he has something I need to complete my set of treasures.” Ryou wondered what that treasure was…his Father had many treasures, many expensive little knick knacks and such.

 

“Is that all the questions for today?” asked Bakura.

 

“No. Where is my friend?” Ryou asked. “Where is Acacia…?” The Thief King's expression turned to that of sick pleasure and he gave a deep, maniacal laugh. Ryou's eyes widened and he took a step back.

 

“T-tell me! W-what have you done to her?!” he cried. Bakura looked down, still chuckling evilly. He looked back at Ryou, pinning him with his piercing gaze.

 

“…She's…not available at the moment. She served her purpose well, and now I no longer need her.” Ryou's eyes widened in horror. Different theories of what could have happened to her flashed in his mind; none of them were good.

 

“I believe that is enough answers for today,” Bakura said, regaining his calmer demeanor.

 

“…You…you fiend!” Ryou whispered fiercely. “Tell me what' you've done to her! I order you!” he cried. Ryou immediately regretted this, for the Thief's eyes narrowed dangerously and he raised on brow.

 

“You dare to order me?” asked, voice quiet but dangerous. “You dare to command me what to do? In my own palace?” Ryou opened his mouth to reply but nothing came out. Bakura stalked closer, like an animal eyeing its prey. Ryou felt himself backing up against the wall, his ankle chain clinking loudly. Bakura stood tall; his lean yet muscular form was barely inches from Ryou. The cloak her wore left his chest bare, showing off the rough, tanned skin. Ryou found himself having too look up quite a bit to see into the man's eyes. He forced himself not to whimper. Instead he tried to remain confident.

 

“I am the Prince of Egypt…” he said, his voice steady. Bakura glared at him.

 

“You're nothing but a spoiled, little, palace brat who needs someone to put you in your place,” he said lowly. Ryou couldn't help but wince at his harsh tone. The Thief and the Prince stared daggers at each other for another moment before Bakura cracked the slightest twisted smirk.

 

“You're trying to hide your fear…but I can sense it,” he said. Ryou crossed his arms defiantly.

 

“Y-You don't scare me!” he stuttered.

 

“Really?” Bakura sneered. “Well then…you'll learn to fear me.” A dagger suddenly appeared in Bakura's hands. He was spinning it lazily. “I'll make sure of that.” Ryou's eyes widened at the site of the dagger and he grimaced. He didn't have to be reminded of the last time that cool blade had been pushed up against he neck. “I take it you get my point?” the man asked, as he brought it under Ryou's ivory chin, pressing slightly. Ryou would have nodded but he was afraid the movement might make the dagger press deeper into his skin.

 

“Yes,” he replied, but his tone was defiant. Bakura pressed the dagger a bit harder and Ryou winced as he felt a slight sting. A drop of blood traveled down his throat.

 

“Yes, my King,” Bakura corrected with a smug grin. Ryou's eyes narrowed.

 

“Never…” he hissed. My Father is the true King!” Bakura's grin fell.

 

“Don't test me boy…” he said, leaning in closer. His warm, nasty, breath fell across Ryou's face. “Now say it.”

 

Ryou, convinced he was about to die and shaking from head to toe, stayed silent.

 

“Do you have a death wish?” the thief king growled in anger.

 

Ryou closed his eyes tight and whispered, “No. But I have my dignity and my honor.”

 

With an animal like growl of furry Ryou was suddenly thrown to the ground. He winced as his head collided with the stone floor and was taken off guard when the thief unchained his ankle from the wall. He gave Ryou a truly furious glare before gripping the boy tightly by his soft, moon colored locks, and dragging him to his feet. Ryou yelped in pain, not used to this rough treatment of his scalp. He tried to keep himself steady on his feet as Bakura harshly pulled him through a door in Ryou's prison he hadn't noticed before. He tripped over his own feet as they struggled down a staircase and couldn't help but whimper when Bakura gripped his forearm roughly to pick him up. Ryou found himself being held by a giant dark hole. The stairs stopped so abruptly if you hadn't of known the hole was there you would have walked right off the edge.

 

“Be silent and listen,” the angry man hissed. Ryou ceased his whimpers. At first all he heard was his own rushed breathing. Then he realized there was something else, an odd sound that was gradually becoming clearer. It was soft hissing. Ryou frowned in confusion and looked down into the dark abyss below. He blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the complete darkness then took a step back as he realized…

 

`Something is moving down there…' He took another step back, pushing against Bakura, trying to get as far from the edge as possible but the thief kept him still. His voice was cool but deadly.

 

“This is The Pit. To be specific this is the pit of giant, man eating snakes.” Ryou's eyes widened. There was no way to tell how many snakes there were, each one was nothing more than a dark outline and they seemed to be tangled up in one another. It made Ryou dizzy trying distinguish one reptile from the other. “Let me tell you now. The Pit is especially reserved for spoiled, rotten, little guests who don't do what their landlords tell them to do. As the landlord, I am the Master in this house.” Bakura pushed Ryou forward a bit and the Prince gasped, eyes widened in fear. “Understand?” Hastily Ryou nodded.

 

With a smirk Bakura loosened his hold on Ryou's arm, taking out what seemed to be two rocks. He raises his hands up to an unlit torch on the wall and flicked them against each other. Sparks flashed and the torch lit up. He took it from its perch and gave Ryou the same grin he'd gotten when mentioning Acacia. The Prince scooted back again, more than ready to return to his small prison, but Bakura threw the torch down into the pit and Ryou gasped as he saw the giant reptiles below! They hissed and slithered into shadows as the torch flickered down below. Suddenly Ryou felt a hand on his back push him from behind! Crying out in surprise his arms groped for something to grab but all they found was air. For a few moments Ryou's heart seemed to stop as he floated through the air. Then suddenly gravity hit him, and he hit the floor hard!

 

A cackle echoed throughout the passage way. Moaning in pain Ryou was still. He was dead. He had to be dead. Any moment no he would pass into the great beyond and hopefully join Osiris…But no…He was alive. If he'd died it wouldn't hurt so much. Ryou had to have broken something. His entire body hurt, but especially his right side, the side he'd landed on.

 

Opening his eyes all he saw was blackness. Carefully he rolled over onto his side, wincing at a pain in his right leg. Oh yes, something was defiantly broken. He spotted the torch, too close to his foot for comfort. Slowly he tried to shift around to get at it but every time he moved his right leg a jolt of pain rocked his body. Sighing he lay still, letting tears fall free from his chocolate orbs.

 

Suddenly he heard a hiss and remembered what had made the pit so scary! Gasping he slid himself onto his belly and crawled towards the torch, having to circle around it because the flame was pointing towards him. His right leg trailed behind him like a dead rat. As he crawled he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. He tried to ignore them but their constant hissing unnerved him. Grasping the torch close he inspected his body which was now shaking. There was no where to run, there was no where to hide. He could see their giant, muscled bodies gliding past him. Most of them covered in brown or black scales. He'd never seen snakes as huge as these, with bodies as thick as his arm and longer than his height from toe to head.

 

“Help!” he cried, hoping that terrible thief was still there, “Get me out of here!” but there was no reply. “Let me go! Bakura! You!” he sobbed angrily. “Let me go!” His cries were unheard and eventually he quieted down, realizing the shouting was doing him no good. The boy lay there on the dusty, rocky floor, trying to block out sounds of the snakes but even through his own sobbing he could hear them. One brushed against his foot and he jumped, holding the torch tighter. Then, another rubbed against his side. He whimpered.

 

`How could he do this?' Ryou thought miserably. `Why would he kidnap me only to let me die like this?'Surely the thief would come back. He had too. He needed Ryou, didn't he? Ryou sniffed. The snakes didn't seem to like the fire too much, which kept them away from his face. But they kept bumping his legs, and one slithered right up against his injured leg. He yelped and wince. Oh gods what had he ever done to deserve this?

 

XXX

 

The large wooden doors of the Pharaoh's bedchamber opened, followed by a familiar sound of imported high heeled sandals. He inwardly winced.

 

“Darling,” Queen Mai's voice called as she and Princess Anzu walked inside. A small servant trailed after them. “There seems to be, well, a bit of a problem,” she said, nearing his bed.

 

“A problem?” he rasped. “What kind of problem?”

 

“Well…you see…It's a bit of a problem regarding Ryou,” she continued.

 

“Ryou? Is he alright?” the Pharaoh asked, immediately furrowing his brow in worry.

Before Mai could reply Anzu blurted, “Ryou was kidnapped by the King of Thieves!” The Pharaoh's eyes widened and he gasped, going into a coughing fit. The small servant who had followed them immediately rushed to his aid, bringing a ladle of water to his lips for the Pharaoh to drink. Mai shot her daughter a glare before continuing.

 

“Yes, it seems he's been kidnapped by someone called T.K.B or Thief King Bakura. He left this note.” Mai then reread the note. The Pharaoh's breathing became more labored with each word she read.

 

`Not Ryou…not my Ryou…My son…'

 

“What exactly do you think it means? What game is he speaking of and what is this `agreed treasure'?” Mai questioned, a frown on her face clearly stating she did not like her husband keeping secrets from her. The Pharaoh closed his eyes and was silent for a moment.

 

“…Well?” Mai asked, again. The Pharaoh sighed but was still silent. Anzu, growing quite bored, suddenly noticed a little penguin enter the room, waddling frantically around. She grinned. She's always wanted her own pet, and now that Ryou was gone, who was to stop her from taking it? Not like he needed it where he was! She slowly approached it, with a wide grin.

 

“Hello there you little puff of feathers, come here,” she said sweetly. The bird glanced at her, tilted its head and began to waddle away. “Hey, come here you!” she cried, chasing after the black and white creature. The queen mother shook her head in embarrassment before turning back to her husband. With the servant's help he slowly begun to sit up. Once he was comfortable the Pharaoh let out a sigh.

 

“I'm afraid I have no idea what this note means,” he said.

 

“It makes no sense to you at all?” the Queen asked, raising a brow. The Pharaoh shook his head.

 

“No…but I shall keep trying to decode it. Until then, please do not worry my Queen. Have everyone go about normally, no need for this to get out to the townspeople. It could cause chaos.”

 

“Alright then, Tea and I shan't busy you too much. Rest up my sweet,” she said, giving him a peck on the cheek. “Tea, come,” she snapped at the Princess who held a struggling penguin.

 

“Coming mother!” she sang, prancing out the door. The little servant was about to follow when the Pharaoh grabbed his arm tightly. He squeaked and the Pharaoh immediately eased his grip. When he was sure both Tea and Mai were out of earshot he let go of the boy.

 

“Your name servant?”

 

“Y-Yugi sir.”

 

“Yugi,” he said. “Well Yugi…I believe it is time you and I go on a little trip to the Vault,” Yugi's eyes widened considerably.

 

“The Vault my Pharaoh…?” Yugi asked. Said Pharaoh nodded and began to get out of bed.

 

“Oh! Pharaoh! You shouldn't, you really must be resting--!”

 

“Help me Yugi,” he ordered. “I need you to help me. This is very important boy, you need to listen carefully. I need you to help me save my son…” he explained, wincing as his stiff muscles were suddenly put to use. It had been so long since he'd been out of bed, the Pharaoh staggered over towards a wall trying to gain some balance. Yugi rushed to his aid, keeping him up.

 

“Save Prince Ryou Pharaoh?” he exclaimed. Nodding the Pharaoh pointed to the wall.

 

“Feel for a brick that is looser than the others and pull it out,” he ordered. Yugi gave him an odd look, but began to do so. His fingers skimmed over the rough stone, searching for any block of stone that was looser than the others. They all seemed the same to him. Just when he was about to apologize for not being able to find it, his fingers brushed past something. Scooting them back he realized there was a stone that was loose. It rocked slightly where it sat. Carefully he gripped the edged and with a bit of difficulty slid it out. On the other side was something unexpected.

 

“A door handle Pharaoh?” Yugi asked, looking up in confusion. The Pharaoh nodded and coughed, bringing his hand to his chest, while the other gripped the wall for support. “Open—it!” he ordered through wheezes. Torn between his desire to get the Pharaoh back in bed and to do as he was told Yugi reluctantly grabbed it and pulled with all his might.

 

He never intended to pull out the entire wall.

 

“Oh! Pharaoh! I-I-!” He struggled with his words but the older man merely waved them away. The wall had opened like a door and on the other side was a long dark staircase. As the Pharaoh began to climb down Yugi gave a cry of worry and quickly grabbed a torch from the room before going after him. “My Pharaoh, please be careful!” he begged.

 

“I'm fine,” wheezed the king. “We must hurry though. There is very much to explain and very little time.”

 

“Explain what my Pharaoh? Do you mean you understand the note?” asked Yugi, as he gingerly led his employer down the dark stairwell. It was musty and there were dead bugs and spiders everywhere. Yugi shuddered as he saw a rat crawl away ahead of them.

 

“Indeed I do. Yugi, I trust you. You seem like a smart servant, and loyal boy. I need you to promise me that you will never repeat what I'm about to tell you.”

 

“Never?”

 

The Pharaoh paused a moment. “…Only if you believe it is necessary,” he decided. Yugi nodded. “Alright…Many years ago, Egypt was in trouble. A great darkness threatened to destroy Egypt, consume it. It was something unlike anyone had ever seen before. Yugi, have you ever heard of Kas and Bas?” The young servant boy shook his head in confusion. “Ah well, I'm not surprised. They're a little before you're time. But you have them you know, everyone does, but only a few people actually know how to use them. They're a part of you, inside you. Ba is your life energy Yugi, you run out of Ba and you run out of life. Your Ka…well let's just say it's a powerful, powerful thing that is fueled by Ba…” Yugi nodded, trying to understand. The staircase seemed to go on forever and ever. He hoped they'd be off it soon, for the Pharaoh was looking rather pale.

 

“As I was saying, Egypt was in great trouble. A great darkness threatened to destroy us all. My Father was still the Pharaoh at this time. He was the one who told me this story on his deathbed, knowing someday something like this would occur. He explained to me that his brother came to him with an idea. He had discovered a way to create something to drive away the darkness and seal it away forever. To do so he would need a great sacrifice in order to form seven mystical items of legend. They were known as the Millennium Items. My Father never knew exactly how his brother had done it, or he did and never told me, but soon enough his brother came to him with the magical items. He held a great meeting with his most trusted advisors and friends. The items could not be held by one man. `Too much power corrupts' he said. So they formed a fellowship. Each person held one item. He trusted these friends to follow him and together they managed to lock away the darkness using their Kas and the mythical powers each item owned. Egypt was saved.”

 

“Sadly though, the alliance of the items began to shift. Members began to get greedy, argue and fight with one another. My Father knew that Egypt would not be safe for long if the fellowship continued. Although they had been created for good, the items the possessed were made with dark magic. Their power was drawn from the very darkness they'd sealed away Egypt's enemy into. So he took them, not easily, from the members. Sadly, some of the members died in this task, including his brother and his most trusted sorcerer. But it was for the good of Egypt. He took these items and locked them away into the bowels of this very palace. Deep below my room—his old room—lays his secret study. A place all Pharaoh's have used at one point. It's a place for Pharaoh's to think or even hide during danger. My Father turned it into the treasure trove of the most dangerous treasures of them all.”

 

Yugi listened, barely believing what he heard. The Pharaoh coughed more and suddenly lost his balance. With a squeak the servant grabbed him, holding him up weakly. “Sir, perhaps you should rest a moment…”

 

“Oh, you're right…” he gasped, sitting on the cold steps and having a brief coughing fit before looking at Yugi again.

 

“I don't know who this Thief King Bakura is but he must want the Millennium Items. There is no other possible explanation. In the note it speaks of the `resting place'. The items were foraged in a great stone tablet. It was the mold used to make them. That must be the `resting place'! And `when Ra sleeps' obviously means at night!” When the Pharaoh stopped to catch his breath Yugi spoke up.

 

“But my Pharaoh, even if you do know where and when you are supposed to meet this Thief King, are you really going to give him the seven items? From what you've told me, him possessing them all could mean the downfall of Egypt…” The Pharaoh was silent for a moment, and then began to get up again.

 

“Yes Yugi I know…but…Ryou is my son. My only family left…But, I'm not giving him all of the items…I only possess six.”

 

By the time they reached the underground study the Pharaoh was wheezing again. Although Yugi thought it might have been due to all the dust. The room looked as if it hadn't been cleaned in many years.

 

“I haven't been down here since the death of Queen Nani…” he spoke softly. Yugi bowed his head at the mention of their previous queen. “Ra bless her soul…” Deciding now was not the time to grieve the Pharaoh had Yugi help him over to another wall. This one had a picture of Bes on it.

 

“Bes…to protect something hidden?” Yugi inquired and the Pharaoh nodded, smiling a bit. He had a twinkle in his eyes. His eyes were still young but oh how old they looked. They had seen death, hard times, famine and pain. But in the back there was always that twinkle of hope and youth.

 

“You're correct. I knew you were a bright young boy,” he commented. Yugi smiled tenderly.

 

“Thank you My Pharaoh…and Pharaoh, if I may ask…Why is it me who you decided to tell all of this?” The Pharaoh smiled again, although it was a sadder smile.

 

“You remind me of someone I lost,” he said softly. “And I have confidence in you. I can see it in your eyes that you won't let me down.” Yugi gaped in awe at the compliments he had just been given.

 

“Pharaoh…I…”

 

“No time to talk now. We must hurry. Now listen and do exactly what I say…”

 

XXX

 

It seemed like days ago Yugi had been worrying about getting all his work done in time for lunch, so he wouldn't get settled with leftovers like always. Now, he found himself sitting on a horse, with Egypt's most treasured secret on his back, on his way to a land far away. The last hour of his life had flown by in a rush of shocks, truth, and important information. What the Pharaoh had told him was still buzzing fresh in his mind. There were so many questions he wanted to ask, so many things he'd never expected. He just wanted to tell someone! But no, he could never! He'd sworn to the Pharaoh.

 

`Oh Ra…Oh Ra what have I gotten myself into?' he asked himself. He felt the wooden trunk on his back and just imagined the shiny, golden items inside. Then he felt the mysterious envelope in his top pocket.

 

“Show this to Ryouand no one else,understand?”

 

“I understand my Pharaoh.”

 

The paper felt heavy on his chest. What more secrets did it hold? Yugi wasn't even tempted to find out. He'd had enough surprises for night. For a moment, he closed his eyes, hoping this was all just a bad dream and any moment the cook would kick him awake and tell him to start peeling potatoes…but when he opened his eyes he was still in the stable, with two guards who were arm wrestling each other. The brave warriors to keep him safe. But Yugi felt anything but safe…

 

`Please…Please Ra, please Bes, please gods…Please help me on my journey. I do not want to fail my Pharaoh. If Ido…it could be the end of all Egypt…'

 

XXX

 

Ryou whimpered.

 

“Hello?” he called, even though he knew Bakura was long gone. “Please, someone…anyone…just get me out of here …” So far the snakes hadn't killed him yet.

 

`I bet these snakes aren't really man eating…I bet he was bluffing…If I just stay still and don't move they won't attack me.'

 

He spoke too soon, for at that moment, his torch suddenly went out. The Prince froze. “No…no no!” he frantically blew, trying to build up the sparks again, but it was no use. All around him the air seemed to change. The snakes grew louder with there hisses and they began to get more lively. He could feel them everywhere, and gasped as one slithered over his back. He felt its long coils weighing down on his spine and he whimpered.

 

`I have to get out of here or I'm going to die…' he thought. Heart pounding Ryou slowly began to crawl on his elbows. He was trying not to spook the snakes but they seemed agitated enough already and began lashing out. He couldn't tell one from the other, so he wasn't sure if they were mad at each other or mad at him. Then suddenly one began wrapping itself around his right leg. He couldn't help it, he screamed at the top of his lungs. It was partially in fear, mostly in pain.

“Help! Help!” he cried. It was wrapping all the way up to his thigh and it felt painfully and chilling at the same time. He cried out again. Oh it was agonizing. Like fire burning him to the core. His leg was on fire!

 

`Father I'm sorry…I'll never get to keep my promise…'

 

Suddenly there was a loud noise and a bright light illuminated the entire pit. Ryou had to cover his eyes. A large amount of hissing was heard, as bodies slithered away, brushing by Ryou every which way. To his relief the pain on his leg was lifted as well. Well at least the pressure. It still throbbed with pain, but it had lessoned quite a bit. In a moment someone had picked him up and he was carried off, eyes still closed. Ryou didn't know who it was, or where they were going. The only logical thing he could think of was that Ra has taken pity on him and freed him from his prison and now he was finally on his way too--

“Hey you are you alright?” a gruff voice inquired. Ryou's eyes twitched but he did not feel like opening them. “Hey, can you hear me?” asked the voice.

 

“…Am I dead?” was all he could manage. There was a growl of laughter and Ryou was placed on a familiar, itchy, surface.

 

“Not quite,” the voice replied. A hand touched his leg and he winced, whimpering again.

 

“Don't…” he complained. His throat hurt so much from screaming he wished he wouldn't have to talk. He was afraid blood would start dripping from his mouth.

 

“Be quiet,” the voice said, although it didn't sound all that angry or intimidating like Bakura's. “I'm fixing it…”

 

Ryou squirmed as large, rough hands began fashioning something onto his leg. Curious to see what was being done to him, he opened his eyes. The room they were in was somehow familiar…

He sat up quickly, a bad idea. Wincing he fell right back down again, gritting his teeth at the pain. Someone snorted.

 

“Well that was stupid. Hold still.” Looking to his right Ryou found a man crouched beside him. He was a large, muscular man with dark tanned skin and long spiky blonde hair. His eyes were a dark, cloudy violet.

 

“…Who are you?” Ryou asked softly, looking the man over.

 

“I'm the one who had to carry you all the way here,” he replied somewhat bitterly, not looking up from the work he was doing. Ryou tried to lift his head up and see but it was useless so he lay back down.

 

“You're one of the ones who brought me here…” The pale one stated, looking away and watching the wall to his left. There was straw and blood on the floor. Yes, they were back in his prison…

 

“Yup,” was all he said.

 

“…Then why did you get me out of there?” Ryou asked.

 

“Because Bakura told me too,” he replied flatly. “It's not like he was really going to let you die.”

 

“Oh…” was all Ryou said. Then there was silence for a moment before he asked, “What's wrong with me leg?”

 

“It's broken,” replied the man. “But it will heal quickly if you don't use it.”

 

“Not like I'm going anywhere soon…” Ryou muttered bitterly. Then he added softer, “Thank you…” He turned his head back at the man, who had stopped to look at him. The man shrugged.

 

“There's no point in crimpling you for life. I don't believe that was his intention,” he replied, continuing his work.

 

“…He was angry with me because I wouldn't call him King,” Ryou explained, causing the man to snort again.

 

“That was stupid of you. Look, learn this now kid.” He looked Ryou in the eye. “The Thief King doesn't fool around. If you make him mad, you'll pay the price. We may need you alive, but that doesn't mean we need you healthy. I'm only doing this because he told me too. So either get your act together, realize that you're not in your palace anymore and you don't call the shots, or be prepared to face a world of pain.”

 

Ryou looked at the floor silently. The one person who had shown him a hint of kindness didn't even care. He stayed silent until the man grunted and stood up.

 

“There, done. That splint will keep the bones in place so it heals right. And here,” he handed Ryou a small clump of something wrapped in leaves. “Eat it. It will dull the pain.” Ryou nodded mutely and tried to sit up but found himself unable. Rolling his eyes the man knelt down and propped Ryou up against the wall. “You're pathetic…” Ryou shot him a small glare but it faded in a second. The man was right…

 

As he turned to leave Ryou suddenly called out, “Wait!” The blonde turned to face him, an expression of annoyance on his face.

 

“What now?” he asked.

 

“What's your name?” Ryou asked. He wanted to know. Wasn't his right to call his kidnappers by name? The blonde raised and eyes brow.

 

“Marik,” he said flatly and before Ryou could utter another word, he was gone.

 

With a sigh the Prince leaned his head against the cold, stone wall and closed his eyes. He was tired…Hugging his left leg to his chest Ryou tried to pretend he was in the palace, sitting on his window ledge in the cool night. By his side sat Zut who would squeak in delight and nibble at his fingers for a treat. As the sun would rise a glorious day would unfold. His father would come bursting through the door, handsome and practically glowing. His laughter would fill the air, as if his illness was nothing.

 

But when Ryou opened his eyes he was still in a dark, stone room, with no one for company but the skeletons. And so he began to cry…

 

XXX

 

Emmy: Doesn't that just make YOU want to cry?! Make Ryou feel better by reading and reviewing!!!

 

Ryou: Um..

 

Emmy: IT WILL MAKE HIM HAPPY!!!

 

Ryou: o_o Meep!