Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Gorgeous Carat (YGO version) ❯ The Dragon of Maghreb ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Lsama-no-miko 
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Mystery / Romance / Suspense / Drama | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.31.2008 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 180 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Mystery / Romance / Suspense / Drama | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 01.31.2008 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 180 | Status: Work In Progress
Gorgeous Carat (YGO Version)
By Sakura (aka L-sama no Miko)
Chapter 8: The Dragon of Maghreb
A spiky haired boy lay in a stupor on the silver and blue divan, thick smoke poured from the hookah on the floor nearby. ‘It’s sweet...’ he thought as the smoke curled around him, caressing him like a lover, ‘this… scent… why can’t I see?’ He didn’t acknowledge the shadowy figure as he came over and tightly gripped the boy’s chin. ‘I feel so numb. I can’t… move.’ In a momentary lapse of reason, a pair of icy blue eyes broke through his equally cloudy mind. ‘Blue… eyes...’ The boy’s violet eyes flashed in recognition but quickly clouded over once again as the hand gripping his face drew it closer to the noxious smoke.
“Go ahead,” purred the man, smiling evilly as he brought the pipe connected to the hookah to the boy’s mouth. “I know you want it,” he coaxed, smiling broadly when the boy obeyed and breathed in more of the evil stuff. “That’s it. Nice and slow.”
‘Why...’ the boy asked, desperately trying to keep his mind together as the drug raced through his system more quickly. ‘Why is this happening?’
One Month Earlier… Noir’s mansion, Paris
“What’s up Malik?” Yugi asked as he watched the blond Egyptian ran about the mansion squealing happily every few seconds or so.
“Didn’t they tell you?” a little blonde girl with pigtails asked, smiling excitedly. “We’re going to someplace called Morocco! And on a super classy ship too!”
“Gotta pack!” Malik gushed. “Hmm… what should I bring to wear? I know! Nah. How about…” Yugi shook his head at the hyper blond and smiled as Malik shot up the stairs to pack.
Yugi knocked on the study door and opened it when he got a gruff response of “Come in,” from the thief inside. “I got the book you ordered,” he said handing him the book, still wrapped up plain brown paper and twine.
“Thanks kid,” he said, giving the tiniest of smiles as he cut the twine with the letter opener and ripped off the packaging.
“’Creative Evolution’?” Yugi said, reading the title. “That’s an um… interesting title.”
“Just something I thought I might like,” the thief said beginning to read.
“You won’t believe this,” Malik said coming in after giving up on packing his clothes for now. “But Noir was the valedictorian at the Sorbonne when he graduated. And he was only fifteen! He really is a genius!” The blond couldn’t help but puff up with pride at his master’s scholastic achievement.
“Fifteen?!” Yugi replied, flabbergasted. “That young?! You really are full of secrets aren’t you?” The spiky haired boy couldn’t stop himself from laughing. “I wonder what your parents think of you now. They must be embarrassed to have a son like you.”
Noir glared at the boy then threw the book to the floor. He then shot up from the chair, if looks could kill, Yugi’d be dead by now. “Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong,” he spat. Go get packed, we leave in two days.”
“S-So soon?” Yugi stammered backing behind Malik for protection. “Why are we going to Morocco anyway?”
“An old friend of mine called in a favor. He paid for everyone here, but I don’t think you’d be interested,” the thief teased.
“Wow! I didn’t know you had friends Noir!” Yugi said, surprised to find out another of the thief’s secrets.”
“Actually…” the thief began, growing a bit wistful, “He’s more like my older brother.” Noir’s eyes grew distant as memories of his childhood surfaced.
Flashback, Morocco
“From now on, we’re brothers, ‘kay ‘Kura?” a slightly taller boy with short brown hair said as he cut his wrist with his knife. He then did the same to the smaller white haired boy and pressed their wounds together, mingling their blood as it seeped down their arms. “We’ll split everything fifty-fifty. We’ll always be together.
End Flashback
‘I haven’t forgotten our blood vow,’ the thief said as he watched the land slowly approach the ship. ‘Not until the day I day… Ezhdar.’*
“Ooo!” Malik cried excitedly, “That’s Tangiers isn’t it?!”
“Yep. We made it all the way to Africa,” Rex said, eager for whatever the exotic continent promised. “Haven’t seen Yugi though. He shouldn’t be missing this.”
“He’s in his cabin,” chuckled Weevil, “The shrimp looked kinda green.”
“Damned spoiled brat,” Noir grumbled, then went off to tell the boy they’ll be docking soon.
“You okay?” the thief asked, entering their shared cabin, concerned for the seasick boy.
“I’m a lot better. I’m really sorry I’ve bothered you with this sea sickness. I’ve never been on a boat trip like this before.”
“You really are something,” he groused good-naturedly, “Always causing trouble for me.”
“I said I was sorry!” the shorter boy said, pouting, “I didn’t know I’d get this sick!”
“I know a good remedy for that,” Noir said, mischievously as he leaned closer to the boy, their noses almost touching. A scarlet blush leapt onto Yugi’s face at the thief’s forwardness.
“I-I’m still sick!” he protested, “B-Besides I-I’m not like that!”
“Really now?” Noir purred, “What a pity.” He then scooped the boy up in his arms and started carrying him up to the deck. Yugi let out a surprised yelp, but didn’t struggle. He didn’t want to risk the man dropping him. Several of the other passengers were staring at the couple as they passed by.
“B-Bakura! Put me down!” the boy pleaded, his face ruby red in embarrassment at the amused stares. “T-There are people watching!”
Malik’s eyes bugged out of their sockets when Noir came over to their group of lounge chairs and gently placed the boy on one. ‘He never did that for me when I was sick,’ Malik whined silently, his hands clutching into tight fists.
“The best thing for seasickness is fresh sea air,” Noir said, failing to notice the blond’s jealous glares.
“I bet you want Noir to carry you too don’t you, Malik?” Rebecca said, innocently.
“Don’t so precocious!” Malik said, blushing profusely as he whapped the girl lightly on the head.
“You see that Yugi?” the white haired man said gesturing to the still far away land, “That’s Morocco. France fought like mad for its resources and now it’s theirs – the country at the west end of Maghreb, land of the setting sun. Those who first lived here were left alone. But now… the strong prey on the weak. That’s the way of things. You’ve got to be strong if you want to live Yugi. Very…” the thief’s voice trailed off, a rather pained and haunted look came over his face.
“Noir?” Yugi asked, concerned for the man’s sudden moodiness.
“It’s nothing,” he spat rather sharply. “I lived here when I was a kid. Just being sentimental all of a sudden, forget it.”
‘He lived here? As a kid?’ Yugi could hardly imagine the cynical thief ever being a child. He had to stifle a giggle as he pictured a cute chibified version of Noir, cape, mask and top hat included.
“We’ll be docking in a couple hours. I’d make sure to be ready if I were you – once you’re feeling better that is.” He then went off in search of something to do. He’d been packed and ready once he heard the crew mention land had been sighted.
Tangiers
“It’s sure is jumping, ain’t it boss?” Rex said as they forced their way through the bustling crowd of sailors, tourists, merchants and various other sorts of people.
“Tangiers is the world’s most important free port after all,” Noir replied, his eyes never leaving the crowd for an instant. He knew all too well of the not-so-nice sort of people who liked to prowl the overcrowded docks. “It’s the hub of world-wide trade. Stop gawking or you’ll get yourself lost for good,” he said, more to the spiky haired boy at his side than his henchman.
Yugi snapped out of the awe induced trance he was in and noticed that they were one person short. “Rebecca?” he called, but couldn’t see the girl anywhere.
“What’s wrong Yugi?” Malik asked, seeing the alarmed look on his face.
“I don’t see Rebecca. She was here a second ago.
“This isn’t good,” the Egyptian said frowning, “We’ve got to look for her.
“What are you talking about?” Noir asked, coming over when he saw the two weren’t following him like they were supposed to.
“Rebecca’s gone,” Malik said dead seriously.
“I’m going to check back at the ship,” Yugi said, then dashed off into the crowd.
“Damn it Yugi!” shouted a very irritated thief.
“Boss?” Rex asked, having missed the conversation do to the distraction of several exotic looking girls gossiping nearby.
“Noir?” Malik asked, unsure of what to do.
“Stay put!” he ordered, “And don’t you dare move from this spot! That goes double for you too Malik!” The tanned blond pouted, but obeyed. He knew all too well not to disobey an order from his master when he got like that. “Damn it! Why does he have to be so damned headstrong!” With that, the thief ran off into the crowd after Yugi.
Further into the city, Yugi called for the girl as he wandered aimlessly searching for her. “There you are!” he cried as he caught sight of two golden pigtails.
“Yugi!” the girl said, running over to him and crushing him in a bear hug.
“Thank goodness you’re safe,” he said, letting out a sigh of relief. He startled when he saw three Arab looking men staring at them. He gulped nervously, pulling the girl closer to him. After what seemed an eternity, the men smiled, nodding in greeting as they silently passed them by. “Whew! That was close. I thought they’d try to sell us off or something. It’s hard to read foreigners here. Where are we anyway?” He looked around and saw that they were nowhere near the docks. ‘Oh no,’ he moaned inwardly. ‘He’ll kill me for sure this time.’
‘What an idiot,’ Rebecca said, ‘I should have known he’d be naïve enough to get lost too.’
“Don’t move,” Yugi whispered sharply. Suddenly three cloaked men came into the alley where they were and swiftly surrounded them. ‘I don’t like this one bit.’ There was a sudden crack as one of the man lashed out with a whip, making the two jump in fear. ‘H-He’s good.’
“F*#^!” one of the men spat in a language Yugi couldn’t understand.
“Fall back!” said the other, seeing the whip was about to strike him again.
“Rebecca, run!” Yugi whispered, “Go find Bakura.” The girl nodded then ran off into the crowd again. He too started to run, but he stopped shortly when he heard the man with the whip call after him.
“Wait!”
‘Did he just speak French?!’
That split second of hesitation was all the cloaked stranger needed. He grabbed onto the boy’s arms and whirled him around. Yugi found himself mesmerized by the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. ‘I feel like I’m drowning in the ocean,’ he thought, ‘They’re so blue!’
“Yugi!” the girl shouted, “I see Bakura coming!” She started back toward him.
“Rebecca! Go! I’ll be fine!” he pleaded struggling in the iron grip he was still in.
“Rebecca!” Noir called running up to them. “What’s going on?” His eyes narrowed into hard slits at the sight of the spiky haired boy in the grasp of another. ‘A blue cloak?!’ The stranger let go of Yugi, causing him to stumble into the thief’s arms. ‘What’s a desert trader doing here?!’ The thief then shook his head, dismissing the next thought, ‘It can’t be…’
“So he’s yours is he?” the man asked in fluent French.
“Who are you?” the white haired man countered, glaring at him.
“I’m ashamed you’ve forgotten me so quickly, Bakura,” the man said removing the cloak and veil from his head, revealing neat short brown hair
“I should have known it’d be you, Ezhdar,” he said in relief. He really didn’t feel like fighting for the boy, yet again. He then let go of Yugi and gave the taller man a hug.
Smiling warmly, Ezhdar returned the hug. “I know I said I’d pick you up at the docks, but I had to take care of some idiotic business.” Yugi and Rebecca stared at the two, wondering why someone who looked like a foreigner like them was dressed like a desert trader. “I’m glad you could come, my friend. So how long has it been? What five… six years?”
“Six. It’s good to see you, Ezhdar.”
Yugi blushed while Rebecca giggled and cat-called the two since they’ve yet to stop hugging each other. Noir glared at them, earning a smirk from the taller of the two. “Gee, I didn’t know you had a boyfriend!” the girl beamed.
“He’s not my boyfriend!” sputtered the thief, blushing as red as Yugi now, “He’s my brother!”
Fez, Morocco…
“I feel like I’m in the ‘Arabian Nights’!” Rex said in awe as Ezhdar led them through the city streets.
“My house is right through here,” the tall brunet said, making sure his guests were still following and close together. “The streets are like a maze here, so I’d stick together if I were you, that is if you want to get lost.”
“Look, Ezhdar,” Noir started, “If you really don’t want us staying with you, we can always find a hotel to stay at. Fez may not be as big as Tangiers, but I’m sure we could find somewhere to stay.”
“And they say I’m the cold one,” Ezhdar said, chuckling. “They’re your friends aren’t they? Then that makes them my friends too. Besides, there’s plenty of room.” The brunet smirked in pride as they stopped at a large mansion. Rex’s, Malik’s, Rebecca’s, and Yugi’s eyes widened at the opulent estate. “Won’t you come in?” he asked cordially, holding the door open for them. “You’ve got to be tired from such a long trip. Come and relax everyone.”
“Okay, Ezhdar, spill,” Noir said taking in the elegant furnishings and décor. “What did you do to get a place like this?”
“Just what are you implying?” he said, narrowing his eyes slightly. “I’m just a businessman who’s got good instincts. Rather dull compared to you wouldn’t you say, Monsieur ‘Phantom Thief Noir’?” The thief’s eyes widened in shock, the smirk never leaving his friend’s face. It wasn’t till much later that he’d remember that smirk and how much it reminded him of a snake. If only he’d thought that then.
Later, the two met in Ezhdar’s private study while their host distracted the rest of the thief’s entourage with fine music and some very exotic dancing girls. “You’re getting rusty,” the brunet scolded, “You let your guard slip.” Noir frowned at his friend, trying to figure out how he found out about him. He was dead certain he did everything possible to keep his thieving habits separate from his social life.
“I could still go to the French authorities,” the brunet started again, making the thief tense up his ‘brother’s’ threat. “But I’m not going to, I’m not obligated to those people anyway. The main reason is because, everything you know, I taught you.”
“Ha! I knew you’d never go through with it, ‘Zura. But I’m warning you, if you dragged me all the way here just to ‘catch up’ I’ll be really p.o’d.” The brunet just sat down at the mahogany desk, saying nothing. “You’ve got business with the ‘Phantom Thief’ I take it then?”
“I see your brain hasn’t deteriorated along with your guard,” he replied, “I have a very curious object I’d like you to have a look at.”
“So what is it? It’d better not be any junk.”
“I assure you it is anything but,” the man said getting up and going over to a glass case with a book locked inside. Taking a key from his blue robes, Ezhdar unlocked the case. Taking the book out and placed it on the desk. The thief eyed it curiously, but waited for him to explain further. I want you to examine is some ancient writing in this book which, I happened to come across.” He held up a hand when the thief wanted to ask something. “I’ve come to believe that it may be quite valuable since my life has been put in danger several times ever since I purchased it.”
“An ancient scroll huh?”
“Yes. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Knights Templar?” The thief’s brow rose, his interest piqued. He nodded, indicating for his friend to go on. “Well, this book is written in a code I believe to be used by the order. I would like to know if it tells where they hid their fabled treasure.”
Noir’s hands itched to grab the book from the brunet. Ezhdar smirked, seeing that the bait had been swallowed.
~TBC!!!!!~
Notes:
*Ezhdar is Persian for dragon BTW. Whoever guesses who I cast for this part gets a dedication in the next chappie! ^_^
Sakura: Hooboy!!! A whole new story arc!!! And it’s gonna be a doozy!!
Yugi: Not to sound like I’m complaining, but why did you have to put him in that part. I read what’s going to happen. (shudders)
Sakura: Awww!!! Poor widdle Yu-chan!! Don’t worry. It’ll be all right. You’ll see. Yakusoku da yo!
Yami: For your sake it had better onna!
Sakura: Pharaoh, two words, Anzu and Orochimaru. I’m in a generous mood right now, so I’ll let you choose.
Yami: You call that generous?! I’d rather get devoured by Ammut!
L-sama: That can be arranged little mortal.
Yami: (Faints dead away)
Sakura: L-sama! No fair I wanted to do that!
L-sama: You say something miko?
Sakura: Um… oh look at the time! Got to work on that new idea you sent me! Buh-bye now!
Orochi: You must tell me how you got her so well trained. Sasuke’s always giving me problems.
Sasuke: Hurry up and give me that power you promised you freak.
Orochi: See what I mean. I get no respect.
L-sama: That’s a secret. ^_^ Anyway, I COMMAND YOU MORTALS TO LEAVE OODLES OF REVIEWS OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES!!!!! (Does her impersonation of Naga)
Sakura’s Bishies: Run off screaming.
By Sakura (aka L-sama no Miko)
Chapter 8: The Dragon of Maghreb
A spiky haired boy lay in a stupor on the silver and blue divan, thick smoke poured from the hookah on the floor nearby. ‘It’s sweet...’ he thought as the smoke curled around him, caressing him like a lover, ‘this… scent… why can’t I see?’ He didn’t acknowledge the shadowy figure as he came over and tightly gripped the boy’s chin. ‘I feel so numb. I can’t… move.’ In a momentary lapse of reason, a pair of icy blue eyes broke through his equally cloudy mind. ‘Blue… eyes...’ The boy’s violet eyes flashed in recognition but quickly clouded over once again as the hand gripping his face drew it closer to the noxious smoke.
“Go ahead,” purred the man, smiling evilly as he brought the pipe connected to the hookah to the boy’s mouth. “I know you want it,” he coaxed, smiling broadly when the boy obeyed and breathed in more of the evil stuff. “That’s it. Nice and slow.”
‘Why...’ the boy asked, desperately trying to keep his mind together as the drug raced through his system more quickly. ‘Why is this happening?’
One Month Earlier… Noir’s mansion, Paris
“What’s up Malik?” Yugi asked as he watched the blond Egyptian ran about the mansion squealing happily every few seconds or so.
“Didn’t they tell you?” a little blonde girl with pigtails asked, smiling excitedly. “We’re going to someplace called Morocco! And on a super classy ship too!”
“Gotta pack!” Malik gushed. “Hmm… what should I bring to wear? I know! Nah. How about…” Yugi shook his head at the hyper blond and smiled as Malik shot up the stairs to pack.
Yugi knocked on the study door and opened it when he got a gruff response of “Come in,” from the thief inside. “I got the book you ordered,” he said handing him the book, still wrapped up plain brown paper and twine.
“Thanks kid,” he said, giving the tiniest of smiles as he cut the twine with the letter opener and ripped off the packaging.
“’Creative Evolution’?” Yugi said, reading the title. “That’s an um… interesting title.”
“Just something I thought I might like,” the thief said beginning to read.
“You won’t believe this,” Malik said coming in after giving up on packing his clothes for now. “But Noir was the valedictorian at the Sorbonne when he graduated. And he was only fifteen! He really is a genius!” The blond couldn’t help but puff up with pride at his master’s scholastic achievement.
“Fifteen?!” Yugi replied, flabbergasted. “That young?! You really are full of secrets aren’t you?” The spiky haired boy couldn’t stop himself from laughing. “I wonder what your parents think of you now. They must be embarrassed to have a son like you.”
Noir glared at the boy then threw the book to the floor. He then shot up from the chair, if looks could kill, Yugi’d be dead by now. “Don’t stick your nose where it doesn’t belong,” he spat. Go get packed, we leave in two days.”
“S-So soon?” Yugi stammered backing behind Malik for protection. “Why are we going to Morocco anyway?”
“An old friend of mine called in a favor. He paid for everyone here, but I don’t think you’d be interested,” the thief teased.
“Wow! I didn’t know you had friends Noir!” Yugi said, surprised to find out another of the thief’s secrets.”
“Actually…” the thief began, growing a bit wistful, “He’s more like my older brother.” Noir’s eyes grew distant as memories of his childhood surfaced.
Flashback, Morocco
“From now on, we’re brothers, ‘kay ‘Kura?” a slightly taller boy with short brown hair said as he cut his wrist with his knife. He then did the same to the smaller white haired boy and pressed their wounds together, mingling their blood as it seeped down their arms. “We’ll split everything fifty-fifty. We’ll always be together.
End Flashback
‘I haven’t forgotten our blood vow,’ the thief said as he watched the land slowly approach the ship. ‘Not until the day I day… Ezhdar.’*
“Ooo!” Malik cried excitedly, “That’s Tangiers isn’t it?!”
“Yep. We made it all the way to Africa,” Rex said, eager for whatever the exotic continent promised. “Haven’t seen Yugi though. He shouldn’t be missing this.”
“He’s in his cabin,” chuckled Weevil, “The shrimp looked kinda green.”
“Damned spoiled brat,” Noir grumbled, then went off to tell the boy they’ll be docking soon.
“You okay?” the thief asked, entering their shared cabin, concerned for the seasick boy.
“I’m a lot better. I’m really sorry I’ve bothered you with this sea sickness. I’ve never been on a boat trip like this before.”
“You really are something,” he groused good-naturedly, “Always causing trouble for me.”
“I said I was sorry!” the shorter boy said, pouting, “I didn’t know I’d get this sick!”
“I know a good remedy for that,” Noir said, mischievously as he leaned closer to the boy, their noses almost touching. A scarlet blush leapt onto Yugi’s face at the thief’s forwardness.
“I-I’m still sick!” he protested, “B-Besides I-I’m not like that!”
“Really now?” Noir purred, “What a pity.” He then scooped the boy up in his arms and started carrying him up to the deck. Yugi let out a surprised yelp, but didn’t struggle. He didn’t want to risk the man dropping him. Several of the other passengers were staring at the couple as they passed by.
“B-Bakura! Put me down!” the boy pleaded, his face ruby red in embarrassment at the amused stares. “T-There are people watching!”
Malik’s eyes bugged out of their sockets when Noir came over to their group of lounge chairs and gently placed the boy on one. ‘He never did that for me when I was sick,’ Malik whined silently, his hands clutching into tight fists.
“The best thing for seasickness is fresh sea air,” Noir said, failing to notice the blond’s jealous glares.
“I bet you want Noir to carry you too don’t you, Malik?” Rebecca said, innocently.
“Don’t so precocious!” Malik said, blushing profusely as he whapped the girl lightly on the head.
“You see that Yugi?” the white haired man said gesturing to the still far away land, “That’s Morocco. France fought like mad for its resources and now it’s theirs – the country at the west end of Maghreb, land of the setting sun. Those who first lived here were left alone. But now… the strong prey on the weak. That’s the way of things. You’ve got to be strong if you want to live Yugi. Very…” the thief’s voice trailed off, a rather pained and haunted look came over his face.
“Noir?” Yugi asked, concerned for the man’s sudden moodiness.
“It’s nothing,” he spat rather sharply. “I lived here when I was a kid. Just being sentimental all of a sudden, forget it.”
‘He lived here? As a kid?’ Yugi could hardly imagine the cynical thief ever being a child. He had to stifle a giggle as he pictured a cute chibified version of Noir, cape, mask and top hat included.
“We’ll be docking in a couple hours. I’d make sure to be ready if I were you – once you’re feeling better that is.” He then went off in search of something to do. He’d been packed and ready once he heard the crew mention land had been sighted.
Tangiers
“It’s sure is jumping, ain’t it boss?” Rex said as they forced their way through the bustling crowd of sailors, tourists, merchants and various other sorts of people.
“Tangiers is the world’s most important free port after all,” Noir replied, his eyes never leaving the crowd for an instant. He knew all too well of the not-so-nice sort of people who liked to prowl the overcrowded docks. “It’s the hub of world-wide trade. Stop gawking or you’ll get yourself lost for good,” he said, more to the spiky haired boy at his side than his henchman.
Yugi snapped out of the awe induced trance he was in and noticed that they were one person short. “Rebecca?” he called, but couldn’t see the girl anywhere.
“What’s wrong Yugi?” Malik asked, seeing the alarmed look on his face.
“I don’t see Rebecca. She was here a second ago.
“This isn’t good,” the Egyptian said frowning, “We’ve got to look for her.
“What are you talking about?” Noir asked, coming over when he saw the two weren’t following him like they were supposed to.
“Rebecca’s gone,” Malik said dead seriously.
“I’m going to check back at the ship,” Yugi said, then dashed off into the crowd.
“Damn it Yugi!” shouted a very irritated thief.
“Boss?” Rex asked, having missed the conversation do to the distraction of several exotic looking girls gossiping nearby.
“Noir?” Malik asked, unsure of what to do.
“Stay put!” he ordered, “And don’t you dare move from this spot! That goes double for you too Malik!” The tanned blond pouted, but obeyed. He knew all too well not to disobey an order from his master when he got like that. “Damn it! Why does he have to be so damned headstrong!” With that, the thief ran off into the crowd after Yugi.
Further into the city, Yugi called for the girl as he wandered aimlessly searching for her. “There you are!” he cried as he caught sight of two golden pigtails.
“Yugi!” the girl said, running over to him and crushing him in a bear hug.
“Thank goodness you’re safe,” he said, letting out a sigh of relief. He startled when he saw three Arab looking men staring at them. He gulped nervously, pulling the girl closer to him. After what seemed an eternity, the men smiled, nodding in greeting as they silently passed them by. “Whew! That was close. I thought they’d try to sell us off or something. It’s hard to read foreigners here. Where are we anyway?” He looked around and saw that they were nowhere near the docks. ‘Oh no,’ he moaned inwardly. ‘He’ll kill me for sure this time.’
‘What an idiot,’ Rebecca said, ‘I should have known he’d be naïve enough to get lost too.’
“Don’t move,” Yugi whispered sharply. Suddenly three cloaked men came into the alley where they were and swiftly surrounded them. ‘I don’t like this one bit.’ There was a sudden crack as one of the man lashed out with a whip, making the two jump in fear. ‘H-He’s good.’
“F*#^!” one of the men spat in a language Yugi couldn’t understand.
“Fall back!” said the other, seeing the whip was about to strike him again.
“Rebecca, run!” Yugi whispered, “Go find Bakura.” The girl nodded then ran off into the crowd again. He too started to run, but he stopped shortly when he heard the man with the whip call after him.
“Wait!”
‘Did he just speak French?!’
That split second of hesitation was all the cloaked stranger needed. He grabbed onto the boy’s arms and whirled him around. Yugi found himself mesmerized by the bluest eyes he’d ever seen. ‘I feel like I’m drowning in the ocean,’ he thought, ‘They’re so blue!’
“Yugi!” the girl shouted, “I see Bakura coming!” She started back toward him.
“Rebecca! Go! I’ll be fine!” he pleaded struggling in the iron grip he was still in.
“Rebecca!” Noir called running up to them. “What’s going on?” His eyes narrowed into hard slits at the sight of the spiky haired boy in the grasp of another. ‘A blue cloak?!’ The stranger let go of Yugi, causing him to stumble into the thief’s arms. ‘What’s a desert trader doing here?!’ The thief then shook his head, dismissing the next thought, ‘It can’t be…’
“So he’s yours is he?” the man asked in fluent French.
“Who are you?” the white haired man countered, glaring at him.
“I’m ashamed you’ve forgotten me so quickly, Bakura,” the man said removing the cloak and veil from his head, revealing neat short brown hair
“I should have known it’d be you, Ezhdar,” he said in relief. He really didn’t feel like fighting for the boy, yet again. He then let go of Yugi and gave the taller man a hug.
Smiling warmly, Ezhdar returned the hug. “I know I said I’d pick you up at the docks, but I had to take care of some idiotic business.” Yugi and Rebecca stared at the two, wondering why someone who looked like a foreigner like them was dressed like a desert trader. “I’m glad you could come, my friend. So how long has it been? What five… six years?”
“Six. It’s good to see you, Ezhdar.”
Yugi blushed while Rebecca giggled and cat-called the two since they’ve yet to stop hugging each other. Noir glared at them, earning a smirk from the taller of the two. “Gee, I didn’t know you had a boyfriend!” the girl beamed.
“He’s not my boyfriend!” sputtered the thief, blushing as red as Yugi now, “He’s my brother!”
Fez, Morocco…
“I feel like I’m in the ‘Arabian Nights’!” Rex said in awe as Ezhdar led them through the city streets.
“My house is right through here,” the tall brunet said, making sure his guests were still following and close together. “The streets are like a maze here, so I’d stick together if I were you, that is if you want to get lost.”
“Look, Ezhdar,” Noir started, “If you really don’t want us staying with you, we can always find a hotel to stay at. Fez may not be as big as Tangiers, but I’m sure we could find somewhere to stay.”
“And they say I’m the cold one,” Ezhdar said, chuckling. “They’re your friends aren’t they? Then that makes them my friends too. Besides, there’s plenty of room.” The brunet smirked in pride as they stopped at a large mansion. Rex’s, Malik’s, Rebecca’s, and Yugi’s eyes widened at the opulent estate. “Won’t you come in?” he asked cordially, holding the door open for them. “You’ve got to be tired from such a long trip. Come and relax everyone.”
“Okay, Ezhdar, spill,” Noir said taking in the elegant furnishings and décor. “What did you do to get a place like this?”
“Just what are you implying?” he said, narrowing his eyes slightly. “I’m just a businessman who’s got good instincts. Rather dull compared to you wouldn’t you say, Monsieur ‘Phantom Thief Noir’?” The thief’s eyes widened in shock, the smirk never leaving his friend’s face. It wasn’t till much later that he’d remember that smirk and how much it reminded him of a snake. If only he’d thought that then.
Later, the two met in Ezhdar’s private study while their host distracted the rest of the thief’s entourage with fine music and some very exotic dancing girls. “You’re getting rusty,” the brunet scolded, “You let your guard slip.” Noir frowned at his friend, trying to figure out how he found out about him. He was dead certain he did everything possible to keep his thieving habits separate from his social life.
“I could still go to the French authorities,” the brunet started again, making the thief tense up his ‘brother’s’ threat. “But I’m not going to, I’m not obligated to those people anyway. The main reason is because, everything you know, I taught you.”
“Ha! I knew you’d never go through with it, ‘Zura. But I’m warning you, if you dragged me all the way here just to ‘catch up’ I’ll be really p.o’d.” The brunet just sat down at the mahogany desk, saying nothing. “You’ve got business with the ‘Phantom Thief’ I take it then?”
“I see your brain hasn’t deteriorated along with your guard,” he replied, “I have a very curious object I’d like you to have a look at.”
“So what is it? It’d better not be any junk.”
“I assure you it is anything but,” the man said getting up and going over to a glass case with a book locked inside. Taking a key from his blue robes, Ezhdar unlocked the case. Taking the book out and placed it on the desk. The thief eyed it curiously, but waited for him to explain further. I want you to examine is some ancient writing in this book which, I happened to come across.” He held up a hand when the thief wanted to ask something. “I’ve come to believe that it may be quite valuable since my life has been put in danger several times ever since I purchased it.”
“An ancient scroll huh?”
“Yes. I’m sure you’ve heard of the Knights Templar?” The thief’s brow rose, his interest piqued. He nodded, indicating for his friend to go on. “Well, this book is written in a code I believe to be used by the order. I would like to know if it tells where they hid their fabled treasure.”
Noir’s hands itched to grab the book from the brunet. Ezhdar smirked, seeing that the bait had been swallowed.
~TBC!!!!!~
Notes:
*Ezhdar is Persian for dragon BTW. Whoever guesses who I cast for this part gets a dedication in the next chappie! ^_^
Sakura: Hooboy!!! A whole new story arc!!! And it’s gonna be a doozy!!
Yugi: Not to sound like I’m complaining, but why did you have to put him in that part. I read what’s going to happen. (shudders)
Sakura: Awww!!! Poor widdle Yu-chan!! Don’t worry. It’ll be all right. You’ll see. Yakusoku da yo!
Yami: For your sake it had better onna!
Sakura: Pharaoh, two words, Anzu and Orochimaru. I’m in a generous mood right now, so I’ll let you choose.
Yami: You call that generous?! I’d rather get devoured by Ammut!
L-sama: That can be arranged little mortal.
Yami: (Faints dead away)
Sakura: L-sama! No fair I wanted to do that!
L-sama: You say something miko?
Sakura: Um… oh look at the time! Got to work on that new idea you sent me! Buh-bye now!
Orochi: You must tell me how you got her so well trained. Sasuke’s always giving me problems.
Sasuke: Hurry up and give me that power you promised you freak.
Orochi: See what I mean. I get no respect.
L-sama: That’s a secret. ^_^ Anyway, I COMMAND YOU MORTALS TO LEAVE OODLES OF REVIEWS OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES!!!!! (Does her impersonation of Naga)
Sakura’s Bishies: Run off screaming.