Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Return To Paradise ❯ The Scent of Death ( Chapter 10 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

The Scent of Death

Aria opened the door and saw Umi coming up the stairs from the lower deck. Kai ran to his father with a smile and a hug. Sekhmet walked up to his master and sat at her feet. Aria pet her dog with a smile.

“Well, hello there, my Kingfisher! How be ye?” Umi asked with a pirate accent.

Kai giggled. “Daddy's talking like a pirate again!”

Umi gasped. “Arr…and ye brought with ye a scurvy wench, I see!”

Aria put her hands on her hips. “Who are YOU calling a wench, Umi Aquarius Tsunami?!”

Umi grinned and walked over to her, putting his arm around her. “Be ye not afraid, young lassie!”

“Kai, go get dressed and get ready for bed. I'll be there in a few.”

Kai kissed his father and grabbed his new toy. “Bye, Big Daddy Pirate!”

Umi chuckled and turned to his wife. “I'm glad to see you home, Aria,” he said, kissing her cheek.

“Oh, I'm so sure, calling me a scurvy wench! Me! My daddy wouldn't take too lightly to that, you know.”

“Aria, I was just kidding!”

She grinned and winked at him. “So am I. How was Rhett?”

“He was a good baby. He ate his carrots and some fish. Have you seen his blue sleeper? I couldn't find it anywhere.”

“His blue sleeper?” Aria asked, removing her jacket. “I put it on the dresser….like I told you.”

“It's not there. I had to put his purple one on him.”

Aria shrugged. “Hmm…maybe it fell off the bed.”

Umi shook his head. “No, I don't remember seeing it on the floor.”

“It's not a big deal. I'll check in the morning when the baby wakes up.”

Umi followed Aria downstairs to the first room. He followed her inside and sat on the bed as she unzipped the back of the dress. She peeled it off of her slowly and stretched. Umi watched her, scanning her with his eyes and licking his lips.

Aria giggled as she saw him watching her in the mirror. “Are you drooling back there, boy?”

Umi swallowed hard. “Umm…no, ma'am.”

“Liar. Your tongue is hanging out like a thirsty dog.”

“I can't help it if you are attractive.”

Aria giggled. “I've had two kids, Umi. I don't think my figure is what it used to be.” Aria slipped a short blue satin gown over her.

Umi stood up and walked over to her. He put his arms around her and kissed her lips. “Oh, I should say it is.”

Aria giggled into the kiss and deepened it. She held Umi close to her as she kissed her husband. Her hands drifted down his back, touching the back of Umi's shorts. Aria's eyes opened when she heard Aten moan Robbie's name through the mindlink.

`It sounds like my brother is doing naughty naughty with Robbie…..I feel it, too.”

Umi's hands rose and touched her neck gently, making her moan.

“Mommy, I'm ready for bed now!” Kai gasped as he stood at the doorway. “Mommy and Daddy make baby now?!”

Aria pulled back from the kiss slowly. “No, Kai, mommy and daddy are not making a baby.”

“Maybe later we will, though,” Umi grinned, winking at her.

“Let's go, Kai, and let daddy's happy place cool down.”

“Is daddy's happy place hot?”

Aria snickered. “I'm not going to answer that.”

“Daddy needs ice then.”

“I'll sure to get daddy some ice, later,” she said carrying her four year old into the bedroom.

Aria put him on the bed and pulled the covers over him. She leaned over and kissed Kai's cheek. “You have pleasant dreams, sweetheart.”

“You, too, mommy.”

Aria turned to turn off the lights.

“Mommy?”

“Yes, baby?”

Kai looked up at her with large blue eyes. “Uncle Aten not feel good tonight. Is he sick?”

Aria sat down on the bed. “Your Uncle Aten's heart is sick, Kai. Sometimes it doesn't make him feel too good.”

“Oh. When he be better?”

Aria sighed and scratched her head. “The doctors are doing all they can for him, Kai. Don't worry about it, baby.”

Kai nodded. “Am I sick, too?”

“No, Kai, you are a healthy boy. Very healthy.”

The little boy smiled. “I don't like being sick.”

Aria smiled down at him and kissed his cheek again. “You're a big, strong boy. That's why.”

Kai yawned. “Goodnight, mommy.”

Aria smiled and turned off the lights. She closed the door behind her and saw Umi standing there with a grin on his face.

“So…..do we start working on the baby now?” he asked with a grin.

Aria giggled as Umi backed her against the wall. “Are you serious?”

“Why not? We can always make room for three….what about twins?”

“You'd have to get a bigger boat.”

Umi grinned and kissed Aria's cheek. “Sounds like a deal to me.”

Umi kissed Aria on the lips gently, his hands lightly touching her hips and moving up her side. Aria kissed her husband, her body heat rising as the she felt Aten.

`My brother is going to get me into trouble,' she sighed internally.

Umi kissed down Aria's neck, licking and nibbling at the base of her neck. “Aria…..you are so beautiful.”

Aria turned her head to give Umi more access. Umi grabbed Aria's legs as she jumped up. She wrapped her legs around him, moaning and giggling quietly.

“Boy or Girl?” Umi grinned, pulling back from the kiss.

Aria laughed. “You are too much.”

Rhett began to cry from his bedroom and Umi sighed.

“Hold your horses, Umi. We've got our little tadpole to handle,” she said, putting two feet on the ground.

Aria and Umi walked into Rhett's room. Umi turned on the light as Aria picked up the baby and held him close. Rhett was laying in the crub, his back arched and his arms raised. His face was red from screaming. “Aww…poor baby.”

Rhett pointed to the corner of the room, wailing and sobbing.

Umi turned and looked at the corner. “There's nothing there, baby boy.”

Rhett buried his face in Aria's chest and whimpered.

“I don't know what happened to him,” Aria said. She put Rhett on the changing table. “Umi, can you get me a clean diaper just in case? And the baby wipes?”

Aria removed Rhett's sleeper and checked the diaper. “It's not too bad. He doesn't have a diaper rash. Aww….baby….shhh, mommy and daddy are here.

Nothing will hurt you.”

Aria replaced the diaper after cleaning the baby. She dressed him again and sat on the chair in the corner. “I don't see anything there.”

Umi shook his head. “No, I don't see anything.”

Aria rocked Rhett slowly. “It looks like something scared him. He's all trembling.”

“It doesn't look like he's been hurt.”

Aria shook her head. “No, I checked him. He's not hurt.” Aria yawned as she rocked Rhett, kissing and stroking his head, which was now sprouting little white hairs.

“His bedding is dry,” Umi said, pressing on the crib's mattress.

“Well, that's a good thing. Rhett, sweetheart, it's okay. Maybe he just had a bad dream, Umi.”

Umi looked on the floor and saw a piece of fabric on the floor. “What in the world is this?”

Aria stood up and walked over to her husband. “What is that?”

Umi picked up the piece of clothing. “I've never seen this before.”

They looked at the piece of black material, covered in red. Aria sniffed it and covered her nose.

“Blood.”

“Blood?”

Aria nodded and stepped back. “It reeks of the Shadow Realm.”

“The Shadow Realm? In the nursery?”

“It's yami blood. I can tell. It's the scent of the dead.”

Umi turned to her. “How can you tell it is blood of the dead?”

Aria raised an eyebrow at him. “Look at who my father is.”

“Oh……right.”

“I can tell the difference between mortal blood and blood of the dead. That is something that I picked up on quickly.”

Umi looked at the material. “Who did it come from?”

Aria shrugged. “I can't sense anyone around now. Whomever it was, they are long gone.”

“I don't want this hanging around, though. I've seen what blood does to you.”

Aria covered her nose and nodded. “Put it in a bag or something. I'll show dad tomorrow.”

Umi left and Aria walked towards the corner where Rhett was pointing. She touched the walls and her hand pressed against the wall. She narrowed her eyes and watched the wall intently.

`There's nothing there,' she thought. `Something was here…..and it scared Rhett.' She looked down and saw the baby's sobbing had quieted and he was now sucking his thumb with his eyes closed.

She put Rhett in the crib and caressed his head. “Mommy's here, Rhett.”

Umi walked into the room. “Is he asleep?”

Aria nodded. “Yes, he's asleep.”

“Do you really think something from the Shadow Realm came here?”

“I don't know…..but I'm not leaving Rhett alone,” she said, walking past him. She walked up the stairs and towards the wall where her Millennium Trident was hanging. She returned back to Rhett's room and sat on the chair, holding the Trident in her hands. She sat down in the chair and looked up at Umi. “I'm not leaving Rhett alone tonight. I'm sorry, Umi.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I'm certain. I know what is in the Shadow Realm and I won't sleep until I feel confident that my baby is safe. You go to bed. I'll stand guard.”

Umi nodded and hugged her. “Okay, Aria.” Umi turned to go and he stopped. “I forgot. Some woman stopped by to see you today.”

“Woman?”

“Yeah, she claimed to be from the state police. I told her you weren't home.”

“I wonder what trouble my father got into this time.”

Umi snickered. “You think your dad did something naughty?”

“When doesn't my dad do anything naughty?”

“Good point.”

“I'm sure she'll pop back tomorrow.”

Umi nodded. “Love you, Aria.”

“Baby making another night,” she giggled, kissing his cheek.

Umi sighed. “Yeah, I guess that's the right thing to do.”

Aria grinned and pat Umi's ass. “Pleasant dreams.”

“Call me if you need help.”

Aria watched Umi leave and she turned off the light in the room. She sat down and clutched the Millennium Trident in her hand.

Aria's POV

Who…or what….was that intruder?

It had to have come from the Shadow Realm!

That material reeked of death…..and a smell I haven't smelled in many years.

I remember smelling that scent before. It smelled of death and decay…..

Temple?.......I remember looking up at a knife……

I don't remember who held it, though.

All that matters is that Rhett is safe.

Nothing is going to get him as long as I am here.

Daddy might be able to tell me more about that cloth. He might be able to identify the blood and that smell better than I could.

My father is very wise.

He may know about it more than me.

Still…..

I feel something through that wall…….

And it's not a pleasant feeling.

**************************

Normal POV

Aria spooned eggs onto Kai's plate. “There you go, sweetheart.”

Kai clapped his hands. “Yeah, eggs! Pop Pop makes good eggs!”

“My dad's always had an egg fetish, Kai,” Aria giggled.

A knock came to the dog and Sekhmet barked with a hoarse voice. “Hold on!” Aria called out. She ran to the door and opened it up. “Can I help you?”

The woman at the door pulled out a police badge from her jacket. “Trisha Osmond from the State Police. May I have a couple minutes of your time?”

Aria scrutinized the badge closely and raised an eyebrow. “What is this about?”

“This matter is confidential, Mrs. Tsunami.”

Aria narrowed her eyes. “How do you know I am married?”

“I can get any information I need to.”

“Come in. Sekhmet, get back boy.”

The old dog retreated and returned to the rug in the middle of the floor.

“Follow me to the kitchen. I'm giving my kids breakfast.”

Trisha followed Aria to the kitchen and looked at the Millennium Trident leaning against the wall of the kitchen. “What is that?”

“That? Oh. It's…..a family relic. I keep it around for security.”

“Have you had a problem with crime?”

“No, I protect my family.”

Kai looked up at the woman and waved at her. “Hello! I have eggs!”

“What is your name?”

“Kai!”

“Do you want some coffee?”

Trisha shook her head. “No, I have other business to attend to. I'm investigating the claim that your father is an ancient spirit bent on the destruction of Domino.”

Aria rolled her eyes. “All of those stories are a bunch of bullcrap. I don't see why anybody is taking them seriously.”

“We take the safety of the citizens of Domino very seriously, Mrs. Tsunami.”

Aria picked up the bottle of baby food and sat in front of Rhett. “My father is no threat to anyone unless they provoke him. He has every right to defend himself.”

“Which one is your father?”

“Bakura.”

“Who is your mother?”

Aria fed Rhett a spoonful of carrots. “I….My mother doesn't live with them.”

Trisha reached into her briefcase and removed a piece of paper. “Your birth certificate on file shows your father as Bakura Osiris Itemri and your mother is listed as Ryou Thomas Bakura. Ryou lives with the spirits in question.”

Aria wiped Rhett's face clean. “Someone had to be put on the birth certificate. Ryou volunteered.”

“They would have placed something on that line, Mrs. Tsunami.”

“As I said, Ryou volunteered his name on there. Do you think that Ryou was a woman?”

Trisha replaced the paper in her briefcase. “Mrs. Tsunami, they would have placed a woman's name there. They would have also indicated your mother's real name. If you were born from a test tube---.”

Aria narrowed her eyes and growled. “How dare you suggest that!”

“Mrs. Tsunami, do not raise your voice.”

“What if I do?” she asked in a low tone. “You come in here, questioning the validity of my own birth? What is it your business, anyway, how I was born?”

“I am concerned about the safety of Domino's citizens.”

Aria put the bottle of baby food down. “Nothing but lies have been spread about my family! I love my family, and all you can do is come in here, thinking that my father is an ogre! My father has kept me safe and I love him no matter what kind of monster the newspapers say he is! As far as who my mother is, what do you care and what does that have to do with the people of Domino?”

Trisha was silent.

“You don't know my family at all….so you have no right to bad-mouth them.”

Trisha sat there looking up at Aria. “What about their magic?”

“My father is not a magician,” Aria said coldly.

“What about the dragon you brought to life?”

Aria took a deep breath and sat back down, continuing to feed her baby. “That was an illusion.”

“An illusion that ended up destroying five buildings in downtown Domino.”

“I was protecting someone.”

Trisha raised her eyebrow. “That doesn't excuse putting people in danger.”

Aria put down the baby food. “Ms. Osmond, take your briefcase and leave.”

“Actually, Mrs. Tsunami, I'm going to ask that you come with me.”

“I'm not leaving my children here.”

“Where is your husband?”

She looked down at Kai, who was watching the two women talk. “My husband is out fishing with his father.”

“I can arrange care for your children.”

Aria crossed her arms. “I am not leaving my children, Ms. Osmond.”

“Fine,” Trisha said, standing up. “I can come back with a warrant for your arrest.”

“You can't prove it was me who summoned that dragon. You also can't prove that I am a threat until I actually do something illegal. So, I suggest you leave.”

Trisha stood up. “Have it your way, Mrs. Tsunami. I'll be seeing you soon.”

Aria followed Trisha as she left and closed the door behind her. “The nerve of her!”

Kai peeked out of the kitchen. “Mommy, are you angry?”

Rhett began to cry in the kitchen. “No, Kai, I'm not. Finish your eggs. Then we're going over to Nana and Pop Pop's home.”

Aria and Kai returned to the kitchen and Aria continued to feed Rhett. The baby ate quietly, chewing slowly.

“Nobody threatens my family,” Aria growled. “I won't stand for that.”

**************************

Malik opened the door with his only free hand and shut the door quickly behind him. “At least the crowd isn't trying to shove a microphone into my nostril anymore.”

Bakura grabbed the bag of groceries from Malik. “Yeah, really. I think it would be less painful if they shoved the microphone up my ass.”

The Egyptian nodded. “That's what's going to happen next time. When they ask me if I have a statement, I'm going to pull down my panties and fart really loud.”

Bakura raised an eyebrow. “Panties???????”

“I mean, underwear! Underwear! Not panties!”

“……Why do I not believe you at all?”

Malik giggled and pointed behind Bakura. “Look, a unicorn!”

“Yeah, right, Hikari Ishtar.”

“I'm innocent.”

Bakura laughed loudly. “You're as innocent as Ishtar was five thousand years ago!”

The yami carried the groceries into the kitchen and removed a paper from the bag. “You bought one of these ridiculous tabloids again?”

“They published more and I thought you should be aware.”

Bakura growled at the paper as he read: Spirits Create Offspring!

“It's blatantly obvious they did not heed my warning.”

“But this is a different magazine that you went to! This is the Daily Domino!”

Bakura leaned against the countertop and read: “'Life creates life. But, is it also possible for Souls to reproduce? Until now, that question might seem absurd. However, it is clear that the Spirits of Domino have, indeed, created Life. The Spirits in question have been under investigation for strange supernatural occurrences within Domino City.'”

Malik put away the milk. “Investigation? Nobody has come here asking reasonable questions at all.”

“I doubt they will. It seems like they are afraid of us. People fear what they do not understand, Malik. `These spirits have been found to have both a daughter and a son. Who is the mother? What woman would offer herself to carry the children of dead souls?'” Bakura laughed. “They are so dramatic!”

“Yeah, little do they know.”

“'The hospital will not release any records as to the identity of the mother.' Well, finally! The hospital is doing an intelligent thing!”

Malik finished unloading the groceries. “What these people are doing is ridiculous!”

Bakura nodded. “I'm apt to agree, Malik. To my knowledge, nobody has stopped here interrogating us like criminals.”

“No, nobody's been here to ask us any questions. You've been here most of the time here with me, anyway….along with Ryou.”

“Ryou's still sleeping. I'm thinking maybe I should go wake him up,” Bakura said, putting down the paper. “If Aria or Aten are harassed through this whole fiasco, Marik and I will not take it lightly.” Bakura climbed the stairs to check on Ryou in the bedroom.

He opened the door slowly and saw the curtains were pulled shut and Ryou still in bed. He approached Ryou and sat beside him. “Ry?”

Ryou moaned and pulled the covers over his head.

“Ryou, you've been sleeping all morning. Wake up.”

Ryou yawned and pulled down the covers. “What is it, yami?”

“You've been sleeping all morning.”

“I have?!” Ryou gasped.

Bakura nodded. “Yeah, I came up here to make sure you weren't dead or anything. I'd have to think about how to handle the media if they found out we were bringing out a dead body.”

“I'm sorry, Bakura. I guess I was more tired than I thought.”

A raucous began outside. The media's voices grew louder and Bakura and Ryou heard Aria's voice yelling at them.

“Aria?” Bakura ran to the window and pulled back the curtains. Aria had Kai and Rhett in hand. “Ry, it's our daughter!”

Ryou jumped out of bed. “You help her! I have to put some clothes on!”

Bakura ran to the door and stopped to give Ryou's bare ass a spanking.

“OW! HEY!” Ryou gasped.

Bakura snickered as he ran out of the room. “That's what happens when you show me a bare ass, Ry!” Bakura ran down the stairs and opened the door.

Aria ran in holding her boys as Bakura shut the door after her.

“Aria? Are you okay?”

“Daddy, I'm glad you're here.”

Malik walked into the kitchen. “Aria? Hi, kids!”

Kai ran to Malik and hugged him tightly.

“Is something wrong?” Bakura asked.

“I have something I need to talk to you about.”

Bakura gestured to the couch. “Sit down. What do you want to know?” Bakura asked as he sat on the couch.

Aria put Rhett in the play corner with the toys. She sat beside her father. “First of all, a state police chick came to see me today.”

“Oh. What did she do?”

Aria clenched her fists tightly. “She accused me of growing in a fucking test tube!”

“Why in hell would she do that?” Malik asked.

“She had a copy of my birth certificate. She asked me who my real mother was since Ryou is a guy! They didn't believe that Ryou is my mom!”

Bakura held out his hands. “That's a good thing!”

“No, it's not! She was asking me how a guy could give birth to me!”

“What the media don't know won't hurt them, Chibi Yami.”

Aria nodded. “In speaking of that---.”

“Aria! I'm so glad to see you!” Ryou said, running down the steps. He ran to his daughter and hugged her, kissing her forehead. “I'm glad you came!”

Aria hugged Ryou back. “I'm glad to see you, too, mom. That woman asked me how I summoned my Nightmare Dragon.”

Ryou sat on the highback chair beside the couch. “Woman?”

“A state trooper came to Aria's home and was asking her questions about her birth and such. What did you say about that?”

“I told her it wasn't me! And when she said she had proof that I did it, she was going to take me away and leave my kids alone!”

Malik and Ryou gasped. “She can't do that!”

“I told her I wasn't going to go with her, that I had two babies in the house and she still wanted to take me!”

Bakura put his hand on her leg. “Don't worry, Aria. If something ever happened, you know one of us would be at your place to grab the kids.”

“But not if I couldn't warn you! What if they took my kids, too? What if they started……what if they did to my kids what GeneTech did to me?!” I still have the tattoo!” Aria pointed to the tattoo that had faded slightly. `GT5459-B' was still legible on her white skin.

“Aria, your kids are safe. They haven't exhibited any Shadow Magic, have they?” Malik asked.

Aria shrugged. “Not that I've noticed, so far. I began noticing my powers more around Kai's age.”

Ryou nodded. “That's when your father and I noticed it, too.”

“Umi and I are keeping our eyes out for any powers Kai might have, but I don't want my kids hurt because they are different.”

Bakura sighed. “Aria, that is what your mother and I felt when you were younger. When you began exhibiting Shadow Magic, I was proud, but I knew it is something not easy controlled. Shadow Magic is very powerful. It can help……and it can kill. Ryou and I didn't know what to do when you began showing signs of having my abilities. We tried to teach you how to use your magic for good, how to protect yourself, and the responsibilities that come along with having that kind of magic. Shadow Magic is a responsibility. We had to keep our secret about our magic, because if we didn't…..what you see outside is the result.”

Aria growled. “I didn't want to summon the Nightmare Dragon in public! I was so entirely pissed off!”

“You let anger get in the way of your responsibility, Aria. We have to handle the repercussions.”

“It makes me angry.”

Ryou nodded. “I know it makes you angry, Aria, but we have to make the best of the circumstances at hand.”

“How can we make the best when we have people stalking us everywhere we go? Strange women coming into your home and accusing you of being a test tube baby! Honestly! Do I look like I was grown in a tube?!”

“You look like a normal girl to me,” Malik said.

“She was asking questions about you, dad. She wanted to know if you were as bad as the papers say you are.”

Bakura chuckled. “Just because I am the King of Thieves, even in this day and age, I run the Criminal Underworld of Domino, I have the criminals of Domino under my grip, they think I'm bad?” Bakura laughed loudly. “I may know every crime that goes on in this Ra-forsaken city, but I don't tell these people to go off and murder, rob, and rape. I wonder what they would do if they found out that Marik ran the Domino Mafia. I'd think they'd poop themselves if they found that out that Ishtar controls the Italian, Russian, and Japanese Mafias.”

“Did you tell them anything about your father?” Ryou asked.

Aria shook her head. “No, all I said is that these papers are spreading lies about my family and they are untrue….She said she was going to arrest me. I told her that she couldn't prove that I have done anything illegal.”

“Good move,” Malik said.

“I thought I would come and let you know in case people start coming over here and asking you questions.”

“You're a good girl,” Bakura said. “I'm proud you are my little girl.”

Aria giggled. “You're little girl who is going to be nineteen this year!”

“What is that in your pocket?” Ryou asked.

“Oh, yes. This is what I wanted to show you, dad. Rhett began crying last night and I found this by Rhett's crib.” Aria removed the material and handed it to Bakura. “I figured you might be able to identify it.”

Ryou stood over Bakura's shoulder and looked at the material. “Oh my god…..”

Bakura's nose wrinkled. “It reeks of blood and the Shadow Realm.”

“I know. I figured you might be able to identify the material or the scent of the blood. It smells like death to me.”

“Excuse me,” Ryou said, walking up the stairs.

Bakura sniffed the material. “The blood is definitely from an undead source. Not yami……just….not dead. It smells….like it was on a rotting body.”

“I know. I didn't get all giddy or bloodlusted off of it.”

“No, neither can I feel myself getting all horny over it. It's not mortal blood. You just found it on the floor?”

Aria nodded. “Right on the floor. I checked Rhett, though. He wasn't hurt.”

“Well, that's a good thing. I've never seen that material before, though. I don't know where it came from.”

Aria groaned. “I was hoping you would know.”

“I don't, baby girl. Sorry.”

“Do you suppose Aten has seen this?”

Bakura shook his head. “I'm not sure. Aten isn't as keen on blood as we are.”

“Maybe I should try him. Do you mind if I leave the kids here while I run over there?”

Bakura nodded. “Go on. I'll go check on Ry. Malik will watch the rugrats.”

“Thanks, daddy,” she said, hugging him and grabbing the material. She pocketed the material and ran outside, shoving and kicking her way through the mob. She ran to the Morgan's house where the crowd was present, too. She was grabbed and pushed when Daniel stepped out of the door.

“Alright, folks, that is enough! Let her go!”

The crowd released Aria.

“Now, look, I have been more than patient with you people, but this has gotten out of control! You are messing with the family of a Navy man! I have served thirty years in the military, protecting this country and YOU! My family and I are entitled to a little peace and quiet! If you do not disperse immediately, I will be forced to call the military police and have you all arrested for disorderly conduct! Now! Move it!”

Aria walked through the crowd towards the door. “Hello, Mr. Morgan, is Aten home?”
”He's in the kitchen.”

“Thank you,” she said, running past him. “Aten!”

Aten looked up from his cereal. “Yes?”

“Aten! I need to speak to you!”

Aten cocked his head to the side. “You do?”

“I have something to show you. Rhett was crying last night in his room and---.”

“Rhett?” Aten blinked.

Aria raised an eyebrow. “Yes. Rhett……”

“…..”

“My son? My baby?”

“I'm not your baby.”

“No, Aten! My baby! Rhett is my baby with Umi!”

“Oh, yes. Go on.”

Aria took a deep breath. “I saw a piece of material that smelled of the Shadow Realm beside his bed. It's covered in blood and---.”

“You cut yourself?”

“No, the material was covered in blood. I wasn't hurt.”

“Oh, that's good. I was about to say, you shouldn't hurt yourself on purpose.”

Aria closed her eyes, gathering her patience. “Aten….listen to me. Carefully. Rhett, my son, was in his room.”

“Yes.”

“He was crying.”

Aten nodded. “Yes.”

“I found a piece of material beside the crib that was bloody and smelled of the Shadow Realm. It smells like death.”

“Well, you better wash it.”

Aria rolled her eyes. “Are you even listening to me?”

“I'm trying to.”

Aria removed the material from her dress. “Look at that. Smell that.”

Aten sniffed it and his nose wrinkled. “Why, yes, it does smell like death. It needs a good detergent.”

“ATEN, I AM NOT WASHING THE MATERIAL, WILL YOU LISTEN TO ME?!”

Aten pushed his chair away from the table, shaking. “Don't yell! Don't yell!”

Daniel came into the room. “What is wrong in here?”

“I'm trying to talk to Aten and he's not listening to me!” Aria growled. “Aten, have you seen this material before or not?!”

Aten swallowed hard and trembled, unable to answer.

“Aten Bakari Ishtar, answer me now! Have you seen this material anywhere?!”

Daniel stood beside Aten. “Aria, have a little patience with him.”

“I'm trying to, but he's being so damn difficult!”

“I…I'm sorry. I'm trying to understand you….”

Aria closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Aten, I know you are sick, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Are you sure you haven't seen this material before? Yes or No?”

Aten shook his head. “Nowhere. Never. I promise!”

“Good. Thank you, Mr. Morgan.”

Aria turned and walked towards the door. Daniel followed her. “Aria……weren't you a little harsh with him?”

“I wanted an answer from him and he wouldn't understand.”

Daniel shook his head. “No, Aria, it's not that he wouldn't understand you….he couldn't understand you. Aten's very sick.”

“………..”

“Aria, your brother is not just sick…..he's dying. He's not as sharp as he used to be.”

Aria took a deep breath and sighed.

“Your brother deserves better than what you gave him today.”

Aria nodded. “You're right.”

Aria returned to the kitchen and saw Aten sitting at the table with his head lowered. “Aten, I'm sorry.”

“Who…..?”

Aria walked cautiously over to him. “Aten, can't you even look up at me?”

Aten raised his head slightly.

“Aten, don't you recognize me?”

Aten blinked and lowered his head again.

Aria sighed. “I'm your sister.”

“……..”

“Well, Kai and Rhett are over at mom's. I better go back to them.”

Daniel watched Aria leave. “Don't take it to heart, Aten. She had to go back to her family.”

Aten drew air quickly into his lungs. “Who….who was that and why was she angry?”

Daniel looked at Aten and saw his eyes glazed over, his right hand was trembling uncontrollably. “That was your sister.”

Aten looked at his skin. “She's got white skin. How can she be my sister?”

“Do you know Robbie?”

Aten nodded. “He sleeps with me in bed. He's my husband.”

“Do you know who I am?”

Aten nodded. “You are Robbie's father.”

“Miranda?”

“Robbie's mother.”

“What about……..Seto Kaiba?”

Aten scratched his head and picked up his spoon. “I know him. He's on tv.”

Daniel nodded. “Well, I can't say you're wrong about that. He's been on tv a lot lately trying to protect his reputation among all these wild allegations.”

“Allegations? Here?” Aten looked startled. “We can't let them get in or they'll eat us!”

Daniel shook his head. “No, Aten! That's alligators! Allegations are very different.”

“Oh…..”

“Do you know anything else about Seto Kaiba other than he is on the television?”

Aten looked down and to the side. Daniel could tell Aten was really trying hard to remember. “He's……He's with my Uncle Joey.”

“Well, you do remember something.” Daniel watched as Aten's hand trembled, making some of the milk splash onto the table. “Robbie told me that you and him are going out tonight. Any idea where you boys will go?”

Aten shrugged. “Wherever he wants to go, I guess.”

“Do you feel up to going out tonight?”

“I think so. Robbie sounded like he really wanted to go out.”

Daniel sipped his coffee. “It would be good for you boys to go out. I think you just need some fresh air and time to clear your head.”

“I think it might be good for me to go out, too. I'm done working on a painting. There's one more I want to do. I've had the vision in my head for a long time and I have to get it onto canvas.”

“I'm glad to see you keeping up what you enjoy.”

Aten nodded. “Painting is something I have always enjoyed….and will until I take my last breath.”

Daniel smiled at him. “You're a trooper, Aten. I've seen many people doing what they loved until the end. I'm proud of you.”

“Thank you,” he said with a grin, continuing to eat his cereal.

Aria returned home after speaking to her brother. “Aten didn't know anything about the fabric.”

“Well, what are you going to do?” Malik asked her.

“I'll go into the Shadow Realm and ask if anyone knows who the fabric belongs to. Someone there as got to know!”

Bakura turned to her. “Do you need me to go with you?”

“No, I can handle it, daddy. I'm a big girl.”

“Are you sure?”

Aria grinned and pat her father's cheek. “You worry about me too much.”

“I have every right to worry about you. You're my daughter. You are my blood.”

Aria hugged her father and kissed his cheek. “I'll be careful. Come on, Kai and Rhett. It's time for us to go.”

Malik returned from the kitchen. “Has anyone seen the green sippy-cup? I've been trying to find it to give Rhett a drink.”

“We've got to go anyway, Malik.”

“Oh, okay. See you later, Aria. Take care.”

Aria hugged her family and gave them all kisses.

“Aria, if you need help with that police woman, you let me know. Ishtar and I won't let anything happen to you.”

Aria grinned. “I will….and if she think she can intimidate me, she is mistaken.”

**************************

Robbie limped into the house. He closed the door behind him and saw his father watching the news. “Hey, dad, what happened to the media crowd in front of the house?”

“I took care of it,” he said flatly.

“You took care of it? How?”

Daniel shrugged. “They must not have wanted to play with the Military Police, Robert. Quite a shame,” his father snickered.

“Where's Aten?”

“He's---.”

“Robbie!” Aten exclaimed, running to Robbie. He pulled Robbie close and kissed him deeply in front of Daniel. Daniel moved his head to the side to see the television as the two teens kissed deeply. “I'm glad to see you!”

Robbie laughed. “I'm glad to see you, too.”

“I just have to cover my paints up and I'll be right out.”

“I want to get dressed before we go. Going out in a suit and tie is okay, but I'd rather be comfortable.”

Aten ran out of the room.

Robbie watched Aten leave and turned to Daniel. “How was he today?”

Daniel took a deep breath and looked up at Robbie. “Well……he didn't recognize Aria.”

Robbie raised an eyebrow. “He didn't recognize her?”

Daniel nodded. “He knew you, me, and your mom. He thinks Seto Kaiba is on tv and he is with his Uncle Joey.”

“Well, he's not wrong there. I wonder why he wouldn't recognize his sister, though. Maybe Dr. Zira has to play with his medication dosages.”

“Dr. Zira can't fiddle with them every day, Robbie.”

“He doesn't fiddle with them every day. I don't know why he wouldn't know Aria.” Robbie sighed. “I don't know anymore.”

Robbie limped up the stairs and into the bedroom. He changed clothes and returned downstairs to Aten standing by the door.

“You ready to go, Robbie?”

“Yeah, sure, Aten. Bye, dad! Bye, mom!”

Daniel raised his hand. “Have fun, boys!”

“Bye, Robbie!” Miranda called from the kitchen.

Robbie and Aten stepped outside and saw the crowd outside the Ishtar-Itemri home. “I wonder why those people keep standing there,” Aten said.

“I would have thought your dad or Bakura would have scared them away by now.”

Aten took Robbie's hand as they walked away from the house. “I missed you today.”

“Yeah, same here, Aten.”

Robbie looked up at the sky and watched the clouds. “Did you have your appointment today with Dr. Chapman?”

Aten shook his head. “It's tomorrow. I thought it was today until I looked at the calendar.”

“I see even I'm losing track of days.”

“We've both been busy,” Aten replied.

Robbie squeezed Aten's hand reassuringly. “Well, I've been thinking about you at work. Thinking about how you're doing and how you're feeling here.”

“I'm hanging on,” Aten smiled.

Robbie looked over at Aten. “Dad told me you couldn't remember who Aria was. Are you really hanging on?”

“I knew who she was,” Aten said.

“You told my dad you didn't know who she was.”

Aten looked ahead and stopped walking. “I…I wasn't feeling like myself.”

Robbie turned to Aten. “What about Seto?”

“He's on tv and wears a tie.”

Robbie took a deep breath and took Aten's hand again. “I'm worried about you.”

Aten hugged Robbie. “I'll be okay. I promise.”

The two teens continued walking until they came to an Italian restaurant. They sat at a table and looked around at the comfortable setting and the authentic Italian

music.

Robbie pat Aten's hand at the table. “Aten, we need to talk.”

“About?”

Robbie took a deep breath. “What happens when you become too weak to move?”

Aten shrugged. “I don't know. I'm glad I can climb the steps now without too much hassle.”

“But when your cardiomyopathy gets too bad and you can't climb the steps or move around much. What do you suppose we do?”

“I don't know. Sleep on the couch?”

Robbie shook his head. “No, I don't think that would work. I can look into hospice care. My medical insurance should be able to pay for a hospital bed to be put downstairs. I can see what percentage of hospice my insurance would cover. I don't think the bill would be too bad.”

“I'd rather not be in the hospital when I can be at home.”

Robbie nodded. “If that is what you want, Aten, then I will do what you wish. I'll keep you home.”

“I don't want to die in the hospital….among those heart monitors and IVs.”

Robbie held Aten's hand and ran his thumb over Aten's mocha hand. “Then you won't. Mom, Dad, and I will keep you at home as much as we can.”

“I would rather be home.”

Robbie took a deep breath. “What about your money? Do you want that to go to your parents or your sister? The hospital? Pay for your bills?”

Aten shrugged. “I haven't decided that yet. I'll have to try and think about it when I can think clearly.”

“What about…..your….?”

The waitress came and delivered their food. They cut up their dinners and slowly started to eat.

“What about your final wishes?”

“Final wishes?”

Robbie put a piece of pasta in his mouth and chewed. “Yeah, do you want resuscitation?”

“I haven't decided on that, either.”

“Well, Aten, that is something we will have to discuss later. Because…..I don't know what is going to happen and if anything……does happen, I want to follow your wishes.”

Aten swallowed some of his dinner. “What do you think we should do?”

“Aten, I can't make that decision for you. That's something that you have to decide for yourself. If, in the event your heart stops, do you want the doctors to try everything they can to save you or just let nature take its course? That is something that you have to decide.”

The Egyptian sighed and ate another piece.

“I hate to talk about this on our time out, Aten, but this is important stuff.”

“No, no. You're right. We do have to talk about stuff like this.”

Robbie sipped his soda. “In the slim chance that something happens to me, Aten, who do you want to be the executor of your estate?”

Aten looked up at Robbie and blinked. He shrugged. “I don't know.”

“Well, someone will have to be the one to take care of your final expenses in the event that I can't for any reason. It's just a precaution. You always have to have a backup plan. What about your mom or dad?”

Aten took another bite of his food and chewed slowly. “My dad isn't very good with money. Well….it's not like he can't handle it, but Father Bakura knows more about how to use money wisely. Besides, I don't know how my father will react to……you know….my passing. I don't want to burden him with my money issues.”

Robbie nodded. “We should go to a lawyer, too, to get it all settled out. I can ask one of Seto's lawyers to oversee this. Seto will need to be aware of our arrangements, anyway.”

“I was even thinking of donating whatever money I have left to charity.”

“That's very noble of you, Aten. Who are you thinking about? Anyone in particular?”

Aten sipped his water. “Yes. I want to donate my money to terminally ill children. I want them to enjoy what time they have left. I want to send my money to the camp for terminally ill kids where I went when I was a child. Every person deserves a chance to be happy….dying children, especially.”

Robbie reached over the table to take Aten's hand. “That is very nice of you, Aten.”

“Well, I would like to give it to the children. I don't know how much will be left after my final expenses. Funerals cost a lot of money.”

Robbie nodded and took a deep breath. “I have something else to ask you about that.”

Aten looked at Robbie and saw his husband was struggling to keep himself together. “Why don't we change the topic? There's no need for us to answer everything tonight, is there? Let's just enjoy our night out.”

Robbie wiped his eyes dry. “Yeah, you're right, Aten. How's your dinner?”

“It's good.”

“Did you paint today?”

“A little. Not too much, though. I was hungry today, so I spent a lot of the day munching.”

Robbie sighed in relief. “Well, that's a good sign. You've been eating like a mouse lately.”

“I haven't been hungry lately. My appetite's all out of shape, I guess.”

Robbie turned his head and saw Jason and Eric waiting to be seated. He lowered his head. “Aten…..look! It's Jason and Eric,” he whispered.

Aten looked over and swallowed a bite of his food. “Oh yes….you're right. I hope they don't see us.”

Robbie raised an eyebrow. “Where's Rhonda?”

Aten shrugged. “I haven't seen her.”

“I saw her in the hospital while waiting for you to finish with your physical therapy. She always hangs around Eric. Eric doesn't go anywhere without her.”

Aten sank into his chair and swallowed hard. “I hope they don't see us.”

Robbie nodded. “Same here.”

“I haven't seen Rhonda in a long time.”

“Well, frankly, I'm glad she's been out of our way lately. The less I have to see all three of them, the better.”

Aten nodded. “Let's finish eating and leave.”

Robbie requested the receipt from the waitress and paid her promptly. Eric and Jason were lead towards the smoking section of the restaurant. Robbie and Aten left the restaurant and sighed.
”That was close,” Aten said.

“Too close.”

Robbie and Aten walked down the street as the evening light began to fade. The stars came out one by one as they walked along the block. They went to the movies, sitting in the very last row in the back. Aten leaned against Robbie and put his head on Robbie's shoulder as they watched the movie. Robbie periodically

snacked on his popcorn and soda.

The Egyptian rested his arm on Robbie's leg, periodically rubbing and patting Robbie's knee. Aten held Robbie's cane in the other hand.

After the movie, they slowly began to walk home.

As they passed the park, Aten stopped. “Robbie, can we stop here for a little while?”

“Aten, the park can be dangerous after sundown. The Crusaders still lurk around here at night.”

Aten nodded. “I know…..I can protect us.”

“But, Aten---.”

“Trust me.”

Robbie sighed. “Okay, but the minute I hear rustling in the bushes, we are out of there.”

Aten took Robbie's hand and lead him into the dark park. Robbie's eyes continuously roamed around his line of sight. He gripped his cane nervously, his palms soon covered with sweat. His heart raced as he thought about who or what was lurking behind the bushes.

“Aten, this is a bad idea,” Robbie said nervously.

“Relax,” he said calmly.

Robbie swallowed hard. `How can he relax? All the Crusaders would need to do is fire one shot…..Dear God, please don't let anything happen.'

Aten sat on one of the benches, shrouded in darkness. “Sit down.”

Robbie sat quickly and looked around, uneasy. “Aten, why on earth do you want to come here in the dark?”

Aten closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “For the silence. The stillness.”

“I can hear the sounds of the cars, Aten. This place isn't too quiet.”

“I can hear the sounds of the woods….I can hear the sounds in the darkness. The dark used to scare me, Robbie. It doesn't anymore.”

Robbie held onto Aten's hand tightly. “Well, I'm only afraid of the dark when I know there could be murderers nearby.”

Aten covered Robbie's trembling hand with his own hand. “Robbie, do not be afraid.”

“The Crusaders could be right here now, Aten! Can we go? Please?”

Aten shook his head. “I want to sit here for a while.”

Robbie swallowed hard and forced himself to keep sitting. “Okay….but not for too much longer, okay?”

“Okay. I promise. Just a little longer.”

Robbie's blue eyes surveyed the shadows of the woods and the irregular patters of shadows on the ground.

“My Shadow Magic can keep us safe, Robbie. There's no need to worry.”

“But, you are not in the best physical condition, you know.”

A small smile couldn't be seen crossing Aten's face. “I know I'm not….but I will defend and protect you until the death.”

Robbie shifted closer to Aten. “Aten, I love you. I'm…I'm glad we could spend tonight together.”

“Robbie, what do you plan to do with me?”

“When? I thought you wanted to die at home.”

Aten shook his head. “You do not understand. Are you going to burn me or bury me?”

Robbie rubbed Aten's hand. “I don't know. I haven't decided. What do you want?”

“I do not want to burn,” Aten said quietly.

“I can put you in the Bakura plot by your grandmother.”

Aten shivered. “My grandfather isn't buried there, is he?”

Robbie scratched his head. “I don't think so.”

“I don't want to be buried next to my grandfather's body.”

“I don't think he's buried there anymore. I think your dad and Bakura got rid of the body. That's what Bakura told me anyway.”

Aten rested his head on Robbie's curly black hair. “If my father wants to bury me according to Egyptian Rites, then tell him that I will allow it.”

“You want your own dad to mummify you? I don't know if he would want to do that to you.”

Aten shrugged. “My father doesn't have to if he does not wish, but I believe if he wants to perform the Sacred Rites, he has my permission. Father Bakura would

be allowed to assist, too.”

“I don't know if I could handle tearing out my son's brain through his nostril and removing his vital organs.”

“I've been raised in the Egyptian faith. That does not scare me.”

Robbie cringed. “You're braver than I am.”

Aten chuckled and turned his head. “Faith gets me through, Robbie….just like your faith helps you. I may not believe your Creed, but my faith works for me. Your beliefs are no less valid than my own. I believe that I will see the face of Ra…..and will be welcomed into the realm of peace and tranquility.”

“It's not easy sometimes.”

Aten wrapped his arms around Robbie. “No, it's not.”

Robbie and Aten looked up at the stars as a thin layer of clouds slowly crept overhead.

“Aten?”

“Yes?”

Robbie snuggled against Aten's chest and looked up into the night sky. “Are you afraid?”

Aten took a deep breath, exhaling slowly over Robbie's curly, black hair. His fingers raised and slowly touched the curly ebony, strands. He could feel Robbie's body slowly start to relax in his embrace. “….Yes.”

Robbie snuggled closer to Aten and rested his head on Aten's shoulder. Aten's irregular heartbeat sounded against his ear. “So am I.”

Aten brushed Robbie's hair aside and kissed his forehead. Robbie closed his eyes, enjoying his lover's light kisses.

The Egyptian tilted Robbie's head up and kissed his husband lightly on the lips. Robbie whimpered into the kiss as he felt Aten's tongue slowly press through their parted lips.

Robbie rubbed Aten's chest as they were locked in their deep kiss. The night wind blew through their hair, sending Aten's long, white hair flying behind him.

The light of the moon gave Aten's hair a light glow as it reflected between the irregular patches of shadows.

Aten's hand slipped under Robbie's shirt, rubbing the creamy, white skin beneath.

Aten's kisses flowed down Robbie's neck to his shoulder.

Robbie ran his fingers through Aten's hair glowing in the moonlight. “Aten…..”

The Egyptian pulled back. “Robbie?”

“I think we had better go home before this gets out of hand,” he said with a smile.

“Very true. If the Crusaders do come after us, I don't want to run out of here with no pants on…..or my pants around my ankles.”

Robbie snickered. “That would ruin the moment.”

Aten took Robbie's hand and they left the park. They walked home, keeping their eyes out for any signs of being followed. When they arrived home, Aten stopped and turned Robbie around.

“I love you, Robbie,” Aten said with a smile.

“And I---.”

Aten backed Robbie against the door, kissing his husband deeply. Robbie's eyes widened with the ferocity of the kiss and the hand which had slipped up his shirt again and was teasing a nipple.

Aten unbuttoned the top button of Robbie's shirt. “You are so handsome.”

Robbie blushed and swallowed hard. “Well, I---.”

Aten unbuttoned the next button and licked Robbie's collarbone. “You like that?”

“I----uh---.”

Aten unbuttoned the third button with a grin. “I can't get enough of you.”

Robbie shifted his eyes. Was this the same Aten who couldn't remember who Aria was a few hours ago?

Aten unbuttoned the last button and peeled the shirt off of Robbie. He leaned over and kissed Robbie's stomach, up to his collarbone.

“Aten….umm….we…shouldn't…do this out here…..People can see….us.”

Aten giggled and gave Robbie's chin a little playful lick. “Let them look.”

Robbie leaned against the door as Aten's hand lightly rubbed the front of his pants. “Aten….”

“Yes, Robbie?”

“I----uh---“

The door opened quickly and Robbie fell backward onto the floor. Aten fell forward and looked up.

“Robert? Aten?”

Robbie blushed and grabbed his shirt from Aten's hand. “Hi, dad!”

“What's going on here?”

Aten stood up, blushing and giggling. “Nothing. I'm behaving myself.”

“Yeah, right!” Robbie laughed. “Liar!”

Aten folded his hand and grinned. “Can't you see my halo?”

“More like a devil's tail on you, my boy,” Daniel said.

Robbie and Aten stood up. “Sorry to wake you up.”

Daniel shook his head. “I wanted to keep an eye out for you boys in case you needed me. I'm going to bed. Goodnight, boys. Keep the raucous down to a minimum, okay?”

“Yes, sir!” Robbie said with a smile and a salute.

Aten and Robbie watched Daniel climb the stairs and heard him shut the door. They climbed the steps and went into the bathroom. They brushed their teeth and changed into boxers. They slipped into bed. Aten shifted closer to Robbie and put his head on Robbie's chest.

“I'm glad we could spend the night out together,” Robbie said.

Aten nodded. “We had things we had to talk about. I'm glad we had a chance to talk.”

“I wanted to talk to you when you didn't seem so spacy….”

“Spacy?”

Robbie nodded. “Yeah, like when you couldn't recognize Aria this afternoon. That's a bad time to talk when you can't think clearly.”

Aten shrugged. “I don't remember that. All I remember is having another headache this morning.”

“Bad one?”

“It didn't last long. I'm keeping an eye on it, though.”

Robbie cuddled Aten close to him. “I'm glad you're doing that. I'm concerned about you, Aten. I only want what is best for you.”

Aten smiled and rubbed Robbie's chest. “Same here.” The Egyptian yawned and closed his eyes.

Robbie looked down and let his fingers slip through Aten's soft, white hair. He wrapped his arms around Aten and held him close. “I love you.” Robbie yawned and closed his eyes.

*******************************

The figure in black slipped into the shadows, holding her burden. She looked around at the surroundings she couldn't identify. Her vision was blurry. The moonlight dipped off the rooftops like goo. The purple grass burned with orange flames.

All of the dwellings looked the same. Tiny gremlins crept to the garbage cans, climbing up the metal and throwing off the lids to get to the gooey trash within. A rainbow appeared in the sky among the stars as the tiny balls of lights danced in the sky.

Her burden began to fidget.

Her burden began to move.

Her burden was hungry.

She looked down at the tiny thing in the basket with contempt.

She hated it.

She hated it's very existence.

If she could put it near the gremlins, the gremlins would eat it and be done with it.

The gremlins would kill it.

No bones would be left of the Burden.

She looked into its eyes of fire and watched as the Burden's skin began to melt, revealing a twisted skeleton, smiling up at her.

Little red devils stood by one of the dwellings, pointing at the doorstep. “Leave it here! Leave it here! The gremlins will kill it if you leave it here!” they chanted.

She carried the basket with the Burden and put it on the step. “I hope the gremlins kill you! I hope they eat you! I hope they eat your brains, you worthless little bitch! Now die!” she screamed at the Burden, beginning to cry.

She walked away without looking back, down the street of sneaking gremlins and dancing devils.

*************************************

Aten opened his eyes as he heard a cry. He lifted his head off of Robbie's chest and yawned. “What could that be?”

The Egyptian shook Robbie gently. “Robbie, wake up! Please! I hear a cry!”

Robbie opened his eyes and yawned. “What is that sound?”

“Crying,” Aten said, crawling over Robbie. He grabbed his bathrobe and wrapped it around himself. “It sounds-----.”

Robbie sat up. “Like a baby.”

“Nobody's had a baby around here, have they?”

Robbie stood up and wrapped his own bathrobe around him. “Not to my knowledge.”

Robbie opened the door and Aten followed him down the stairs. Robbie opened the door and looked at the ground.

A basket with on the ground with something slowly moving and crying inside.

“A note,” Aten said.

The Egyptian picked up the note stuffed inside an envelope. He opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of paper reading: She's yours. Deal with it.

Robbie leaned down and pulled the blanket down half way. “Aten, it's a baby!”

Aten looked up and down the street. “I don't see anybody around. What do we do with her?”

“Well, we can't leave her outside. Aten, can you pick the basket up and bring it to the kitchen? There's more light there. We can see if there's any indication who her parents are.”

Aten looked down and swallowed hard. “Robbie, I don't think this is such a good idea.”

“We can't leave the baby out in the night alone, Aten. That's cruel.”

“Really. This is a bad idea.”

“Aten, I can't pick the baby up with my cane. We just need to see if she has anything else with her. We'll decide what to do when we get her inside.”

Aten sighed and picked up the basket. He carried the basket inside and placed it on the kitchen table. Robbie turned on the light and looked down at the baby.

“She's so small!” Robbie exclaimed as he looked down at her.

Aten looked at the note in his hand. “I don't remember that writing from anywhere.”

“She's got to be a preemie! She doesn't even look healthy enough to be out of the NICU!”

Aten pulled down the blanket to the girl's hips and saw the tiny baby's bones protruding from her frail body. The baby's body was trembling uncontrollably.

“Maybe there's some clue as to who her parents are in the bottom of the basket.”

Robbie sat on the chair and reached into the basket, taking the baby girl gently into his hands. He lifted her slowly and carefully until the blanket slipped off of the child.

Aten looked at the child with wide eyes. “Oh sweet Ra…..”

Robbie's jaw dropped and his eyes filled with tears as he looked at the baby in his arms. “Where's her leg?”

Updates: 4/30