Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Flying With the Birds ❯ Into the Tunnel ( Chapter 4 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

�I don�t see him!�

�Oh you don�t?� Bakura asked, raising a brow. �Take a closer look.� Malik turned back and scanned the room. Nobody�Nobody! Then�all of a sudden�his eyes focused on something�.No�Blinking he gave the others an incredulous look.

Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.09.2006 | Pages: 8 | Words: 8.5K | Visits: 327 | Status: Work In Progress

Emmy: I DID IT! I sat down and wrote another chapter for yea! It took many chocolate chip cookies but FINALLY I got my creative flow going! Also, I just finished my new Nancy Drew game, so that kinda delayed this for a few days, but NOW it's here!

Iyuna: Hello people

Emmy: I just want to thank all who read and review this story. YOU ROCK! I love you and this chapter is for YOU!

Iyuna: It is? o_o

Emmy: YES IT IS! ...And too Iyuna my poor, poor Pookie with the dislocated knee!

Iyuna: Really I'm ok. I pushed back into place but I can't walk.

Emmy: SHE'S TERRIBLY ILL! I'm making her stay in bed and eat my cookies! YAY COOKIES! Ok, anyhow we'd better start shouldn't we?

Iyuna: o_o ok

Emmy: ENJOY!

XXX

A soft, melodic voice…someone was whispering sweet words of kindness…A pair of soft grey eyes with a waterfall of angel feather hair hovered above him. It was so fuzzy, like looking into a pond of moving fish. The reflection of the world around was distorted. It swirled until he was running, and laughing. What joy they were having, what wonderful fun!

“Try and find me!”

Through the gate, into the garden, past the—

“Rise and shine Sleeping Beauty!”

“Wha…?”, Ryou mumbled as he bleary blinked. He rubbed his eyes as someone chuckled.

“A late sleeper are you?” asked the all too familiar voice of Bakura. Ryou moaned and shot him an annoyed glare before leaning his head against the wall again.

“Go away…” he slurred. Why did the thief have to do that? His dream had been enjoyable, and familiar in a way, like a lost memory. Maybe if he went back to sleep now it would come back…

“Not a morning person I see,” he continued. Ryou ignored him, trying to find his way back to dreamland but was having a hard time finding a comfortable spot on the wall. Growling in frustration he flipped his head to the other side and shut his eyes tightly. This only made Bakura chuckle again.

“Ra…Why must you consistently laugh like that?” Ryou murmured. “I don't see what's so funny…I'm trying to sleep…”

“Heh, rather bold aren't you? I thought surely something as feeble as you would learn better of talking back to his betters…Or is the little prince cranky because he need his `beauty rest'?”, Bakura replied.

“Yes I do need my `beauty rest', which it looks like I'm not going to get thanks to you…” he groaned, opening one eye. “And what `betters'?” he asked. “I don't see any betters…”

“Oh really?” Bakura asked, his cocky tone dropping dangerously. “Well then, until you recognize them I believe they'll be no meals for you, which happens to be the reason I woke you. I guess my actions were pointless. Now you have lost sleep and food.” Ryou inwardly winced. He hadn't eaten the night they took him. It seemed like ages ago when really it had only been about a day. Sadly he looked down, biting back the urge to say he didn't care if Bakura fed him or not. He already knew what could happen if the thief was pushed too far. There was silence. Ryou kept his gaze on his injured leg, inspecting the splint. It held the entire leg firmly in place, and as he tried to move it slightly, found it to be quite heavy. One leg chained and one leg stiff. This would make it particularly hard to go to the bathroom…Not that he was looking forward to the bucket that awaited him…

Bakura noticed him staring at the leg. “You're lucky you're still alive…We don't need to repeat yesterday's adventure do we?” he asked, voice sharp. Ryou shook his head, choosing to remain mute. He was afraid if he spoke Bakura would demand to be called King or Master. Ryou refused to ever call him such a thing! This man was no such thing, and Ryou did not want to be lowered anymore than he already was by giving in!

“Good. I hope we shan't have to repeat it anytime in the future. Things can be so much easier if one were to just except them…” Ryou was still silent. “…And it would be a shame if I had to destroy a little flower such as yourself”, he added lowly. Frowning Ryou looked up in confusion. Did he really just hear that? Bakura was grinning through half lidded eyes. For a moment Ryou wondered if he was drunk or something but he seemed somber enough as he pivoted and strutted right out the door.

`…Flower?' he thought, puzzled and slightly on edge. What did Bakura mean? Had that been a compliment? The thief vexed him so…So calm and cool one moment but harsh and malicious the next. He always put off an aura of chilliness and intimidation as if he were a cobra ready to strike at any time. Yes that's what he was a cobra, and Ryou was the little mouse encircled by his coils. Shuddering, he thought of the day before and the snakes…They seemed fitting now.

XXX

“I win again.”

“Bastard,” Iyuna hissed. “This is the third time you have beaten me at this idiotic game. I refuse to play it a moment longer.”

“This idiotic game is called Senete and it's not stupid, it's a game of logic,” Marik replied, smirking at his victory. Iyuna snorted.

“Logic? Since when did you have a brain under all that hair?” she snapped, crossing her arms and leaning back in her seat lazily. Marik scowled.

“I have more brains than you two put together,” he replied, pointing to Malik who was once again practicing his aim.

“Hey you'd better watch what you say Marik, or next time my dagger might just slip…” Malik warned.

“Next time? Malik if you haven't noticed you haven't hit a single target yet,” Marik pointed out smugly, gesturing to the targets set up along the wall. Malik glared at his brother and turned away.

“You just watch…” Taking a silk scarf from the table beside him, Malik wrapped it around his eyes.

“Oh here we go again. Duck and cover everyone”, Iyuna called. Marik laughed but Malik paid her no attention. He raised a thick knife up to eye level, its blade catching the light in an eerie way.

`Focus...' he told himself. `Focus.' Taking a deep breath he relaxed, keeping his breathing as even as possible. `I know where the target is. I can hit the target. I just have to be confident in my throw.' He felt the handle on his finger tips. It was heavier than it looked but, when thrown the right way, could speed through the air with all the grace and agility of a bird. `Just let it flow…One…two…three!'

There was a whooshing sound and then…silence. Malik peeked out from under the blindfold, wondering if he'd made it this time. His eyes widened in shock. Before him his King sat with a hard look on his face. For a fleeting moment a wave of horror washed over him and he wondered if he'd hit his leader, but then he saw it! The white haired one had his left hand raised, and in it was the knife. Marik and Iyuna were both silent. Each exchanged a look.

“M-my King…” Malik stammered. “I—!”

“You have to use your senses Malik,” said Bakura. “Without that blindfold you could hit any target you focused on. With it you are crippled. You must learn to fight in such conditions where you might not be able to see. You must not only focus and relax but you must pay attention to the world around you. Listen. Use your nose and smell. Targets move, and if you can't see them you must use your other senses to find them.” He tossed the knife back and Malik caught it but before he could say anything Bakura continued. “Put the blind fold back on.” Nodding, Malik did so. There was a shuffling sound. He heard drawers opening and closing, some paper rustling and then more footsteps. They stopped right in front of him. There was an odd sound—like someone unscrewing a jar—and suddenly he felt something by his face. “Sniff.” Malik did so, a few times. “What do you smell?” asked his leader. Malik frowned.

“Nothing my King…” he replied.

“Sniff again.” Malik did so. There was something…he didn't know what…It was earthy…

“I smell…I can't describe it…”

“That's alright. Now, listen.” Malik did. He could hear his soft breathing, Bakura's breathing…Behind him Iyuna or Marik, shifted in their seat…

“Do you hear it?”

“I hear breathing My King…” Malik replied.

“Now feel.”

“Feel?”

“Yes, don't move your hands. Just relax. When your opponent moves, you should be able to feel it.” Malik nodded. He could feel Bakura's breathing on his face…Marik and Iyuna weren't moving…Wait! There it was! Had he felt something? It was so brief, perhaps he had imagined it…Just a sort of soft wave…Was it his own breathing?

“Do you feel it?”

“I…I think so…” he replied, feeling unsure and embarrassed. The Thief King was testing his abilities and he was failing…in front of his friends too!

“Alright then.” Malik could hear and feel Bakura take a step back and then walk to Malik's other side. “Attack.”

“You my King?”

“No,” he replied, and Malik felt him shake his head. “Attack your opponent.”

“My…opponent?” Malik asked.

“Yes, did you not just sense him? Sense him again.” Malik nodded and raised the knife. He had no idea what he was doing. What opponent?! Was he fighting some invisible person? No matter how much he focused he couldn't figure it out! He heard nothing, he smelt nothing, and he felt nothing! The pressure was making him nervous…Was everyone staring at him, waiting for him to make a move? Could they see his opponent? Swallowing he decided to take a leap of faith. Raising the knife to eye level he released it. There was a thunking sound and then a clatter. Grimacing Malik slid the blindfold off and turned around. Bakura was watching him arms crossed and Marik and Iyuna were smirking. Malik felt his stomach drop. Had he missed something really ease?

Turning he searched for the target…But found none!

“Huh…?” He looked around once again, but there was no one there! Had this all just been a joke?! He felt his cheeks get hot. “Where…is my opponent?” he asked, turning to face them again. “I don't see him!”

“Oh you don't?” Bakura asked, raising a brow. “Take a closer look.” Malik turned back and scanned the room. Nobody…Nobody! Then—all of a sudden—his eyes focused on something….No…Blinking he gave the others an incredulous look.

“You don't mean…?” He pointed and Bakura smirked.

“Meet your new opponent. The hardest opponent you will ever face.” Malik gaped at him before turning back to his `opponent'. Before him, perched on a small table sat…

“A butterfly?” he asked flatly. Bakura nodded.

“I found that treasure yesterday, and thought I'd keep it. The hardest opponent you will ever face.” Malik stared at the butterfly blankly.

“Uh-huh…” he said dumbly, still watching the butterfly. It had brilliant sapphire wings with a black rim.

“This opponent is so small it has no smell the human nose can detect, no sound for the ears to hear, and nothing more than a flick of its wings to feel”, said the Thief King.

“Why can't I just crush it?” Malik muttered. Bakura chuckled.

“You won't be able to see it remember? And this is a skill builder for your dagger throwing.” Bakura moved over and skillfully scooped the butterfly up into his hands, curling it into a loose fist. “Anyone could kill it with their bare hands…” Taking a jar in the other hand he quickly slipped the insect in his jar. It fluttered about before resting at the bottom of the jar, on a leaf. “What I'm teaching you to is real skill…” he said as he screwed the lid back on.

`I still think I could just crush it…' Malik thought to himself. Bakura handed Malik the jar.

“Say hello to your new opponent. From now on, whenever you practice, you practice with him. Take care of it. If it dies before you are able to strike it, it will be your job to catch a new one.” Malik frowned and took the jar, gazing at the prisoner within.

“Oh great…”

Suddenly the door flew open and all head turned to find Bam panting in the doorframe. He doubled over, catching his breath.

“My, my, what happened? Did you pee your pants and need to come home and change?” Iyuna asked. Bam shot her and glare and shook his head rapidly.

“Guards—heading this way!” he cried. The other four looked to their leader who narrowed his eyes.

“How many?” he asked.

“A lot—about fifteen!”

“How far?”

“Only a few miles off—they must have gotten a good tip. I think they know exactly where they're going!” he said, standing up straight again. Bakura nodded.

“Alright then…I guess moving day has come sooner than we expected. Marik.” he looked at the other blonde. “Get the prince ready to go, you'll have to carry him most of the way I believe.” Marik nodded and left immediately. “Malik,” he continued, like a general instructing his army.

“Yes my King?”

“You're job is sealing off the entrance. If those guards are able to get past my traps, I'd rather not lose all my lovely little prizes.” Malik nodded.

As he turned to walk out the door Bam had just entered Iyuna called, “Don't lose your new friend!” Malik sent her a playful glare before disappearing.

“Bam, Iyuna, you two gather anything we'll need. I haven't been to the Second Chamber in a while. Take everything we'll need.”

“Yes sir,” the chorused. Bam followed Iyuna through another door.

“What is he talking about?” Bam asked, after they were out of ear shot. “Aren't we going to fight them?” Iyuna snorted.

“No stupid. Don't you retain anything we teach you? The King has many hideouts, and this one is connected to one of his others. He won't mind losing the treasure's from just one when the next one has just as much. Of course, it's always annoying, but anything that isreally precious to him, he'll get back or keep safe.”

“But if the new hideout is connected to this one then won't the guards just use the same passageway?”

“No!” Iyuna snapped. “Because we're blocking both entrances…”

“Then how will we get back in?” Bam cried. Iyuna hit him upside the head.

“Fool! We can't come back and stay here if they KNOW this is one of the hideouts! It will never be safe again!” Bam scowled and rubbed his head.

“Alright I get the point…”

“Good. Now round up everything you can carry. Food, clothes, and anything else you don't want to leave behind.”

XXXX

Ryou looked up when he heard the door to his chamber open. Surprisingly it was not Bakura, but Marik. Ryou wondered if he had come to check on Ryou's leg…

“Hello”, he said softly. The man grunted a hello before kneeling down to unhook Ryou's leg. Blinking curiously, the Prince was about to ask why when Marik slide one arm under his knees and the other around his back.

“What are you doing?” Ryou yelped as he was lifted into the air.

“We're moving bases. Do you have to go to the bathroom, because there will be no stops along the way.” Ryou shook his head. “Good.”

“What do you mean `moving bases?”, he asked curiously. One out into the hallway Ryou looked around. He'd only seen that one area of the Thief King's hide out and was interested in what the rest might look like.

“I mean, we're moving to another hideout,” he replied, carrying Ryou down a maze of carefully crafted paths. The hallways were smooth cave wall, and only lit by small hanging lamps. Ryou had never seen something like this before…It was oddly beautiful to him.

“Why?” Ryou asked.

“Because,” was all Marik said. Ryou frowned, wishing to know more…Where were they going? How were they going to get there? Could this be the perfect time for Ryou to escape? Wait no…that's right. Without Marik he couldn't move…It was awkward. Ryou felt so odd being carried everywhere by a man he barely knew, especially when the man refused to talk to him.

Before he knew it they were heading down a small, very dimly lit corridor. At the end round found a small hole, naturally part of the hall.

`How are we going to get through that?' he wondered. `We'd have to crawl…'

“Ready to go?” asked a voice. It was Bakura. Ryou turned his head to see the King behind them. Bakura look down at Ryou. “Sorry for the inconvenience little Prince, but we would have had to move anyhow. It's just a little earlier than I expected.”

“Why are we moving?” Ryou asked. Because Marik was a little taller than the Thief King himself Ryou didn't really have to crane his neck at all to see eye to eye with the thief.

`Bakura doesn't look as intimidating from up here,' thought Ryou.

“It seems your daddy dearest has sent some troops out on search for us. The cheater…” Ryou's eyes widened. Troops were on the way to find him! He had to do something! He had to stall or scream or—

“Don't get any ideas,” Bakura said sternly. “Else you want to be gagged and tied the rest of the journey.”

“It's a long walk”, Marik added, eyeing the boy. Ryou looked from one to the other then glared and turned away.

“Good decision,” Bakura said, ruffling his hair a bit. Ryou waved his hand away, and huffed as he tried to fix his hair. Bakura chuckled.

“You're doing it again…” the pale boy murmured.

“Doing what?” Bakura asked with a grin.

“Laughing at me!” he replied indigently.

“But you amuse me,” he drawled. Ryou, who couldn't think of a comeback, pouted and crossed his arms. He didn't want to amuse Bakura…he wasn't some sort of pet!

“We're ready my King,” said a voice. This time Ryou turned to see three new people. There was a girl with long black hair and a shorter boy with short black hair who carried large sacks. The other was a tanned blonde boy. They were all looking at him too.

`These were the ones who kidnapped me!'

“Well…hello there Prince,” said the girl, wrinkling her nose at the word, as if he repulsed her. Ryou frowned.

“We'll have time for pleasantries later,” Bakura cut in. “Now we must leave. Malik, you sealed the entrance well?”

“Yes my King,” said the other blonde. Ryou blinked in confusion. The boy was holding a jar…with a butterfly inside?

“Good. Alright everyone, let's get going. Bam you first.” The black haired boy crouched down by the hole, which was neither part of the ground nor part of the ceiling. It was literally a hole in the middle of the cave wall. He shoved his sack through and then, like a rabbit crawled right onto the other side.

“Alright, next.”

The girl went next, and after her the one called Malik. Malik—Marik—they seemed to be related.

“Ok, Marik hand him to me and you go. Then I'll pass him back once you're over,” said Bakura. Marik nodded and to Ryou's extreme displeasure he has now being cradled by Bakura. Stiffening he looked down, but couldn't stop the fear that rose inside. He felt trapped in the arms of his capture. With a little bit of difficulty, due to his muscular frame, Marik managed to get through.

“Don't be so nervous…” Bakura hissed in his ear. “I don't bite.” Ryou swallowed hard. “Heh…Alright now slide through.” Bakura lowered Ryou down to the entrance and Ryou gripped the inside walls, crawling through with one leg dragging along. Marik gripped his hands on the other side and pulled him up. Stumbling slightly Ryou literally fell into his arms.

“Watch it…” Marik mumbled, before heaving him up. A second later Bakura slid through.

“Malik, Bam, come here,” he ordered, pointing to a large rock in the corner. Ryou watched as all three men pushed it. Slowly, it began to move and within a few minutes covered the hole completely. “Good. Now let's be quick and get going.” The four other nodded and they began walking.

It was quiet; no one seemed to want to talk. Ryou shivered. It was a lot colder here than it had been in his room…It must have been because they were further under the ground. He hoped there would be enough air…In fact where was the air coming from? He almost asked this aloud but decided against it.

This was going to be a long walk…

XXX

The sun was falling. Ra would soon be sleeping. Yugi stared out onto the desert plane from his perch on the rocky haven they'd spent most of the day in.

“This is a waste of time…” he heard one of the guards mutter.

“Seriously…why can't we just travel in the day?” the other replied.

“Because, the Pharaoh ordered us to only travel at night.” Yugi replied, even though he knew they weren't really talking to him. There was some more muttering and Yugi sighed. He took a nibble of the bread packed, but couldn't bring himself to eat much more. He couldn't stop thinking…What if someone caught them or tried to rob them? What if something went wrong? He couldn't let the Pharaoh down…Oh but why?! Why had the Pharaoh put him in charge of this!?

`Why me?' he thought. `I'm nothing but a servant, a common errand boy! Why me? Why not a solider or a warrior or a noble!? Why not someone strong and powerful?' If there was one thing Yugi knew, and had known ever since he was a small child, it was that he was nothing special. He was small and weak and powerless. He was always below someone else, and that's the way it had always been. That's the way Mother had raised him. `Do your job and do it well.' she'd always say.

`What can I do?' Yugi thought, hugging his knees to his chest. `Why me? I'm just a servant, I can't do anything…'

“Uh, hey, Shorty!” Yugi looked down and saw both guards watching him. “You gonna eat that?” one asked, pointing to his bread. Yugi shook his head and tossed it down. Both grabbed for it and began to fight over it. Yugi frowned and turned to look back at the desert rather than his feuding `protectors'. Suddenly, he thought he saw something. Blinking, he looked again. Yes!

“What's that…” he said aloud, focusing on the figure walking alone over the sand. The figure was limping, or stumbling at least. Yugi watched until it fell over into the sand. His eyes widened. “Hey! There's someone out there!” he cried to the other men. They ignored him. “Hey!” he cried. This time both turned to face him.

“What?” one asked, irritated.

“There's someone out there! They've collapsed!” he replied frantically. All he got back were blank stares. “…Shouldn't we do something?” he cried. The guards looked at one another, and then shrugged.

“You're call…We're just here to make sure no one kills you…”

Looking back the collapsed form Yugi longed to go help but he was afraid…What if it was a trap? What if this was just a test to lure him out of hiding?

`But there's no one else out there. The desert is empty for miles…' Knowing he had to make a quick decision, Yugi leapt down from the rock, jogging as fast as his little legs would carry him.

“Hey!” he called. “Hey you!” The figure moved slightly, trying to get up, but fell back down again. He reached the person, out of breath. They were wearing a dark blue cloak.

“Hey…you…” he panted. “Are you…ok?”

The cloaked person moaned something but Yugi couldn't make out a word it said. Kneeling by the person he gently rolled them onto their back and pulled down the hood, letting the head rest in his arms. What he saw gave him quite a shock.

On the ground lay a young man. He looked a little older than Yugi and had very dark skin. His body was thin and boney, as though he hadn't eaten in days, and also very dirty, as were his clothes. But what surprised Yugi the most was his hair…It was almost exactly like Yugi's, although dirtier!

“S-Sir…? Are you alright?” he asked. The man moaned again and his eyes fluttered open. He had a dazed expression on his face.

“W-wa-…” he rasped. “Wa…ter…”

“Oh yes of course!” Yugi grabbed the leather canteen hanging around his waist and popped off the cork, bringing it to the man's mouth. The man coughed a bit but accepted the water with gratitude. Yugi felt his forehead.

`He's so hot! It's a wonder he hasn't died of heat exhaustion!'

“Sir, what's you're name?” Yugi asked. The man turned his head towards the sound of Yugi's voice. It took a moment for his eyes to focus. Yugi say they were a startling redish-purple. He opened his mouth but only managed to cough again. Yugi gave him another drink of water to clear his throat.

“My name…” he gasped. “I…I am…Ph…Pha-…ro…Atemu…” he slurred.

“Phro Atemu?” Yugi asked. The man hastily shook his head.

“I am…Pharaoh Atemu.”

XXX

Emmy: MUAHAHAH CLIFF HANGER! Hehe I'm so evil!

Ryou: Please read and review all! It makes her happy so she doesn't have to make tons of cookies and get fat!