Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Seth's Magical Adventure! ❯ Sneaking around a Desert Wonderland ( Chapter 14 )

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh. Takahashi does, and he doesn't approve of Bakura being kidnapped. He says that's overly cruel irony.

 

Bakura weakly opened his eyes, not knowing exactly where he currently was. He knew he had been kidnapped, and he knew blood was dripping off of his back and arms, but other than that, everything seemed so blurry. The last thing he remembered was trying to help Atemu and Sith before… before Ultima had hit them. Now, he realized with terror that he might be the sole survivor of another catastrophic event. His eyes bolted open finally, and glancing around, he saw that the room he was in was quite dark, and he was hanging from chains. His cloak had been removed; only his skirt and shoes remained of his clothing. All of his jewels were taken.

 

“Where am I?” he asked, looking around frantically, “Pharaoh? Sith? Are either of you here!?” He called their names a few times, but it quickly became obvious that neither of them were with him. He strained his eyes to see in the dark, but the only things he could make out where the chains holding him to the wall.

 

“Damn it all, where the hell was I taken to!?” Bakura shouted, half-demanding an answer from an unseen person. He hung his head when he received nothing. He heard a screech from a bird outside, as if to mock him for his imprisonment, but nothing else sounded. His eyes narrowed. Wherever he had landed, he had to escape. He had to find everyone; to make sure they were all right. In actuality, he didn't care for many of them, but if he wanted to remain on Sith's good side, he had to help everyone.

 

“Let's see… I remember… Atemu… was trying to protect her… the priests were trying to flee… but,” Bakura shook his head in an attempt to clear his mind, “Damn it, I remember nothing else. Are they alive!?” He stared into the darkness, but he never expected to receive any sort of acknowledgement. A harsh laugh sounded, and out of the shadows strode a beautiful woman Bakura barely recognized. He had seen her before… but where?

 

“Yes, your friends are quite alive,” she replied calmly, walking up to him, “And quite a nuisance as well. It seems that your pharaoh sent his priests to spy on the Leone Mattoun brigade, and that little rat of a cousin found your spirit-servant. Such intolerances must be eliminated.” Bakura blinked, for a second not remembering who his spirit was. And then, it hit him. They had gotten Diabound! That relieved him, though he had no way of using the monster himself now.

 

“Sith summoned Diabound? She used my gift?” Bakura asked, grinning as he realized that she had, “Yes! I knew it'd come in handy!” The woman chuckled, shaking her head.

 

“You've no true idea of where you are, do you?” she asked, and when Bakura gave her a quizzical look, she replied with, “I'm sure my cousins have said enough about me. I am Rath Winchester.” Bakura stopped grinning, and narrowed his eyes. He remembered everything he had been told of her, and every emotion Sith had displayed when her name was brought up. Now, he wasn't happy at all that he was alone.

 

“I remember you. I remember you blowing us to pieces with Ultima,” Bakura growled, “What do you want with me? Why did you take only me?”

 

“I need a servant of my own to take down those blasted relatives of mine. The ones who have cast me away simply because I do not share the belief that humans are meant to be our equals,” Rath replied, smiling slyly at Bakura. The thief clenched his teeth.

 

“I would never serve you!” Bakura spat, “I might be a rogue, but even I have boundaries! And if you think my not having Diabound will stop me, think again!” Rath looked at him critically, and then laughed. She laughed so hard, her features seemed to almost break with the amusement she displayed. Bakura emitted another growl.

 

“My lovely boy, you have no choice in this matter!” Rath exclaimed, and in a much darker tone, remarked, “Now submit to me and your pain will be minimal.” Bakura spat on her, and she took out a whip, slashing him on the arm with it. He screamed in pain, and that scream echoed throughout the entire citadel of what used to be Aeroglyph. Another scream shortly followed…

 

---

 

Atemu, his knight, and his priests all stood in the audience chamber, awaiting for Sceppiro and Seth to return, hopefully looking like an Esper. It had been nearly half an hour, but no one dared go in to check on them in case they broke Sceppiro's concentration. Atemu himself glanced at Sith, noticing the distant look in her eyes, and he felt worried for her. Her mind was occupied, and he could only guess with what.

 

“Sith, are you all right?” he asked gently, snapping Sith out of whatever thoughts she had, “You've been quiet. What worries you?” Sith looked away for a minute before responding.

 

“It is of Bakura's fate, sir,” she replied calmly, and Atemu sighed, “I cannot help but worry! He has been gone for some time, and without clue as to where. We have our guesses, and they are probable, but what if he isn't with Rath? I… I wish I could see where he had ended up…” Atemu's lips thinned, hearing how sad this made his knight. He himself had his own worries for the thief, but he didn't feel the same regret as Sith had. Quietly, he patted her back.

 

“Sith, whatever befell Bakura couldn't be avoided,” Atemu replied, “We all saw the look she had given him. She planned on taking him the moment she saw him. Why, we don't want to know, but we will get him back with us. I promise this. You needn't worry of him so much.” Sith gave a weak smile, glancing at Atemu as he spoke. She nodded gratefully, but one question still remained.

 

“But he isn't your friend,” she stated truthfully, “You only sided with him to find us. Why… would you go to the lengths you are?” Atemu chuckled, surprised to hear her question his decision. But, he didn't actually blame her. His dislike of the thief, and vice versa, were no secret in the desert.

 

“While this is true, he is your friend,” Atemu replied, smiling back at her, “And you do care about him. In my own way, I owe him for helping me find you all.” Sith nodded again, and immediately dropped the subject at that point, for they soon heard Seth screaming from the chamber beyond. Mahaado nearly jumped from the sound, and Sith's ears lowered.

 

“WHAT IN HELL HAVE YOU DONE TO ME!?” came Seth's shrill, loud scream as he burst out of the chamber and into the room where everyone stood. Sith looked, and at first, could barely believe what had been done to him. She hardly recognized him; only his hair and his eyes gave any true indication of who he was. His skin had grown to a blue tint, his ears sharpened into a cat-like shape very much like hers, only not as large. A tail had sprouted from his back, small, but winding around his left leg. Two small, blue wings sprouted from his back, and on his face were markings across his cheeks. Two fins grew just under his neck. And lastly, his robes had been replaced with a black full-body suit. Two silver armored pads adorned his shoulders.

 

“Priest Seth? Is that… you?” Mahaado asked, eyes widened with shock. Seth looked from his attired to Mahaado, eye twitching as he nodded. Obviously, he didn't approve of the transformation. Mahaado gasped again, truly unable to believe that the creature standing before him was once human.

 

“As much as it pains me to say, I'm indeed here, Priest Mahaado,” Seth mumbled, “I look like a fool.”

 

“You look convincing enough,” Sith said shortly, walking up to Seth and examining her brother's spell, “If I didn't know it was you, I would call you quite handsome by Esper standards. Sceppiro did a good job.” Seth nodded, but didn't smile on the compliment given. He turned to Atemu, who had raised an amused eyebrow.

 

“I'll be departing shortly, my pharaoh,” Seth said, bowing, “Remind me once more on my objectives? Surely it's only to find information?” Atemu nodded, glancing at Sith, who returned to her post by his side.

 

“Yes. You are to see what they are planning in, and for, Aeroglyph. But do not initiate an attack. If you are caught, run immediately,” Atemu said sternly, and at another glance to Sith, he added, “And if you can, rescue Bakura as well.” Seth looked up into Atemu's face, to see if the king may have been joking. But he looked grave as ever. Such a look made Seth snort, causing everyone to glare at him.

 

“Priest Seth! How dare you laugh in our pharaoh's face!” Saimun exclaimed furiously, as Cyd shook his head with disapproval at the young priest, “Do you not know better than to take his orders lightly?” Seth smiled slyly, seeing just how upset one reaction made Atemu's court. He laughed again.

 

“I'm sorry for the disrespect. There was none intended,” Seth said calmly, “But I'm quite sure I heard you wrong, my pharaoh. Did you honestly tell me to rescue the king of thieves? Surely not!” Sith looked at Atemu seriously, her hand quivering on her sword as if waiting to draw it. He nodded and returned his look to Seth.

 

“You heard quite right, Seth,” Atemu stated, leaning back in the throne, “For now, he is a friend and an ally. And within Rath's hands, he is a deadly opponent. We must have him back here, if not, then back in Egypt as a whole. Is that understood?” Seth blinked, and his grin faded. Atemu sounded quite clear, and if he didn't obey to the best of his abilities, he would be punished. Instead of arguing further, he simply nodded and said, “Yes, my king.” He turned to leave, but once more, Sith stopped him. He looked at her, raising an eyebrow as he said, “Yes, Knight?”

 

“How do you plan to enter?” Sith asked, “I do not think the front entrance is overall safe, though I did hand you a key in case. Do you have means of transport? No doubt, she has closed the Lion's Gate.” As a matter of fact for her, Seth had considered that. He smiled, leaning against the door. His plan had been to set forth and look for the Leone Mattoun brigade, which he doubted left Egypt already. He would sneak into one of their caravans and get into the floating continent that way. When he presented the idea to Sith, however, she didn't seem to approve of it.

 

“Is something wrong, Knight?” he inquired, noticing her hesitation to reply.

 

“This plan… it is risky, Seth,” Sith replied, crossing her arms, “I cannot say I necessarily approve, but it's clear you feel strongly that it will succeed. I won't stop you. But I have a word of advice: Do not wait for darkness. They will be most alert the darker the sky becomes. They expect an assault at night, for they think us to be cowards. Do you… understand this?” Seth nodded. She was telling him that he could neither take too long, nor could he do anything if he came to them too late into the night. Sith smiled, clapped him on the back, and then returned once again to Atemu's side. Seth left for good this time. It took his little time to cross out of the palace, through the courtyard, and into the town. It was busy, for it was still just after noon, but the townspeople silenced themselves when they saw Seth approaching from the palace, only to pass them unnoticed. Within short minutes, he reached the gates that would inevitably lead him into the desert.

 

“Sir! We cannot allow you to pass!” one of the guards exclaimed as Seth came up to him. Seth narrowed his eyes, sourly tiring of their constant blockading of the gate.

 

“Official business of the pharaoh,” Seth growled, “Now move.” The guard looked at the men behind him, but they seemed just as unwilling to let Seth pass. He sighed, and slowly opened the gate up. As Seth passed, he called to the priest, who reluctantly turned to acknowledge the call.

 

“Sir, is there any assistance we may give you?” the guard called. Seth took a minute to consider the question, and then nodded.

 

“Have you any information on a group by the name of the Leone Mattoun Brigade?” Seth asked. The guard blinked, raising a skeptical brow. He shook his head, and then looked once again to the men behind him. Only one of them nodded, and as he stood up, Seth gestured for him to simply speak.

 

“I believe a group of rogue Espers were seen by the Nile with that name, sir,” the guard said, “They've taken temporary residence near there. Reports say they've been packing to leave earlier today, though.”

 

“How long do such preparations usually take?” Seth inquired, this time raising a concerned brow. That was no good news by any standards. That meant he had little time to waste before his easiest chance of breaking into the fortress was gone.

 

“Shouldn't be more than a day, sir,” the guard replied, “But… HEY! Sir! Sir, I'm not done yet!” By that time, Seth was already running. He had the information he needed; he only prayed that the brigade was no fast packer. The Nile thankfully wasn't more than a few miles away. He hadn't bothered with a horse, as that would arouse notice, but he was a fast runner, and he did know a few spells that might be of help. But even so, none of that reassured him.

 

“I wish someone had told me they were planning to leave,” Seth mumbled, as he scrambled across the barren desert, the sun beating down on the warm sands like a mallet on a rock, “If I miss them and head back, I'm dead. There's no way I'll be forgiven for this mistake. It's only ironic that it wouldn't actually have been my fault.” Seth snorted with mock amusement, finding his situation ironic itself. He never approved of danger, yet he somehow threw himself right into it. Was it guilt, because he had caused so much trouble to begin with? He didn't know, but he had grown a bit of a respect for both Bakura and Sith, both of whom were unwillingly dragged into his problem, which was that he had lied at all. Maybe it was guilt.

 

“Even so, I'll be more bitter once I'm dancing with death,” Seth told himself, and cursed when he tripped on a stone. He expected a crash, but he never fall fully on his face as he shut his eyes, waiting for the pain. When it never came, he slowly opened one eye, and saw that he was hovering above the sand. Thrusting both eyes opened, he couldn't believe it! He was flying! He heard a beat of wings, and turning his head, saw that it was from his own temporary wings. Despite their tiny size, he was aloft.

 

“YES!” he cried, grinning with pride, “Looks like the spell was better than to just conceal my appearance! This will be no problem!” Delighted with his new set of wings, Seth sped off, intent on getting to the Nile. His speed was incredible, but his control over his wings needed work. He tumbled and rolled aimlessly every time a gust of warm wind kicked at him, and sometimes he feared he spent more time fumbling than actually getting forward. But, the Nile soon came into view. Its silvery surface glinted under the sun, but what truly caught Seth's eyes was the group gathered at its edge. Four mechanical transport carriers were stationed, and as silently as he could, Seth landed behind one. He recognized the Espers there; they were the ones he had seen previously that day. He had made it, and by the looks and sounds of things, he had done so just in time.

 

“Sir, nearly all preparations for departure are complete,” one Esper said gruffly, his fluffy plume of a tail billowing in the wind, “Do we leave soon?” The commander in charge, whom Seth saw to be Ruon again, stood up and nodded, clapping the soldier on the shoulder. The soldier growled in displeasure, his wolf-like ears lowering, but Ruon seemed to ignore him.

 

“Yes. We must. Rath has commanded it,” Ruon replied, “…Vanargand, I know you have trepidation of attacking Egypt. Rest assured, your father is unharmed.” The wolf, Vanargand, looked away. Seth blinked. He had heard the name before.

 

“This isn't about my father,” the wolf growled, “This is about us all, Ruon. This is quite wrong. Espers have been in peace with Egypt, and with humans, for centuries. Why must we break such a bond now? Lady Sith has worked so hard so we may visit this land undisturbed. We are ruining our princess's efforts!” Ruon looked down. He had thought of that very much during their trip to the Nile, but his orders were his orders. The alternative was nothing he or his men could bring themselves to think of.

 

“I know, Vanargand. But we've little choice. Aeroglyph will be in ruins if we don't take the proper side,” Ruon told him sternly, “Lady Sith and King Sceppiro fled after the previous attack. We haven't seen them since Rath used Ultima. I do not think they're alive. This… this is to spare all remaining Espers.” Seth's eyes widened. That had to be why so many Espers attacked them! Rath must've threatened them… or lied to them. Not one of them saw or heard Sith or Sceppiro on the ship, save for Rath. He wanted to tell them the truth, but that could mean suicide. He had no true idea of where their loyalties actually lie. Vanargand huffed, his tail whipping.

 

“I do not believe Lady Sith to be dead,” he stated angrily, “I want to join her side. I want Aeroglyph to be filled with beauty and nature again. Not the gray shroud of misery it's become. Ruon, can we not ask the pharaoh for help? We can explain the Kraken away. It was no threat; it did no one harm.” Ruon's lips thinned. He wanted nothing more than what his friend wished as well, but he couldn't defy Rath. Not now. Seth mentally took note of their hesitance to even return. He'd have to report this.

 

“…we will talk of this later, Vanargand,” the commander finally said sternly, turning to another Esper, “Onkomund, is everything locked and set?” The Esper in question, to which Seth thought looked more of an orc than an Esper, nodded, grunting as he set his spear down.

 

“Yes, sir. All compartments and vehicles have been locked,” he replied, in an amazingly eloquent tone, “Not even a mouse can get inside.” Ruon nodded, but Seth, who was still well hidden, nearly yelped with displeasure. He'd have to find another way in, and he was running very poorly on time. He glanced around, and his eyes set on a younger target. As the Espers continued to talk and discuss of their departure, Seth slowly advanced on his target, who was sharpening a sword at the moment.

 

“I sure hope Vanargand's right about Lady Sith being alive,” he said to himself cheerfully, “I really miss her. The palace wasn't the same after she left for good. Well, Leon, maybe we'll go directly into the pharaoh's courtroom next time! Maybe…” The poor Esper never finished his sentence, as Seth slammed him on the head with the Millennium Rod, rendering him unconscious. The other Espers noticed the large thud, and Seth dragged Leon away to a secluded spot, where he immediately pilfered the armor, snapping it all on his body. Soon enough, he looked exactly as Leon had, save for being just a bit taller. Hopefully, no one would notice.

 

“Leon, are you all right over there!?” Another Esper called. Seth nearly jumped. He had to sound like Leon, and judging from the dialogue the boy had with himself, that was going to be difficult. His voice was much higher than Seth's. Seth cleared his throat, running out to where the others were.

 

“Yes, sir! Just fine, sir!” Seth said cheerfully, sickening himself with his voice, “Just sharpening my sword, sir!” All of the Espers looked at him suspiciously, Ruon being the most amused. Either they saw right through Seth, or they thought Leon was more hyper than usual.

 

“And where is your sword, Leon?” Ruon asked, glancing around. No signs of a weapon were visible, and Seth silently cursed. The only things he hadn't taken from Leon was the boy's clothing and that blasted sword! His eye twitched as his brain raced for an excuse, or a lie, whichever would be most believable.

 

“Oh! Um… well,” Seth looked over at the river, and only a shroud of an idea came to him, “I accidentally dropped it into the river, sir! But no worries, right? I can just fish it out!” He prayed Ruon believed this, and as the older Esper looked down at him skeptically, he did seem to be considering the lie very carefully. Finally, he shook his head, turning to the vehicles.

 

“There is no time for that, Leon,” Ruon said simply, “I'm afraid your clumsiness cost you a weapon this time. You'll need to wait until we head back to Aeroglyph until you get another weapon. Now let's get into the vessels and leave before any of the pharaoh's guards come and attack.” Seth blinked. That seemed a bit too hasty for his comfort, and he looked as Vanargand and a few other Espers climbed onto one of the vehicles. They didn't question the order. Were they used to such hasty decisions?

 

“We're going back right now?” Seth asked, careful to make sure his voice didn't betray him, “But what about Lady Sith?” Ruon stopped and looked back at him, raising a nervous brow.

 

“Yes, boy, we're going back now. We've been recalled,” he said sternly, ushering for Seth to enter his vehicle, “As for Lady Sith, I'm afraid there's naught we can do for her. If she's even alive at this point. And if she is, she'll do best to avoid us now. Rath wants her dead.” Seth gulped as he climbed into the vehicle, where Ruon closed the door as soon as he was inside. That wasn't good news for Sith at all, and suddenly, Seth found himself worrying about everyone at the palace. So far, everyone assumed Sith and Sceppiro to be dead, but what would happen if it was discovered they were alive? Seth had no answer, and he was afraid to find one as the vehicle slowly rumbled forward, gaining speed as it traversed the sand. He said nothing to anyone as they continued onward, simply contenting himself with looking out of the window. There was little change in scenery, but around three hours into the journey, he saw the floating cliff faces of Nesce in the distance, and suddenly, the vehicles lurched and began to hover off the ground. Seth shivered.

 

“Looks like we'll be in Aeroglyph within a few moments' time,” Vanargand commented, looking at the slowly setting sun, its disc becoming a rich orange, “Leon, you've been quiet. Is everything all right?” Seth blinked, nearly forgetting he was Leon to them. He nodded.

 

“Yeah. I'm just wondering if Lady Sith is alive or not,” Seth replied, and when Vanargand and Ruon both gave him odd stares, he added, “I mean, I miss her. Aeroglyph used to be so different when she was with us.” Ruon nodded, and Vanargand simply huffed, crossing his wolfish arms.

 

“We all wish she were with us now, Leon, but these are dangerous times for her,” Vanargand said, “If she is alive, she's doing wise by avoiding us all and hiding with the pharaoh. Trust us when we say we're on her side, not Rath's.” Seth blinked. That sounded ominous, as though they were actually speaking to him instead of who they thought was their fellow soldier. He decided to exploit that as they began flying over Nesce, toward the center where the capital lay.

 

“Wait, we don't support Rath?” Seth asked, playing dumb to make it all the more believable, “So then why are we going back to her? Why not look for Lady Sith?”

 

“We need to make this believable, Leon,” Ruon said sternly, “If Rath even suspects that we might be working against her, we're dead. I didn't want to insult the pharaoh or his men, but she listens in on our converse. We need to keep her fooled until we can confirm Lady Sith and King Sceppiro are alive. And to do that, we need to speak to her prisoner. He was with Lady Sith on that ship.” Seth's eyes widened. That confirmed one of the very first questions they had wanted answered since Rath blew their ship apart. The prisoner had to be Bakura!

 

“Who's the prisoner?” Seth asked. Ruon looked out the window, watching as the vehicle slowly made a landing within the courtyard. Seth saw that, as Vanargand had said, Aeroglyph was covered in a gray shroud. What had at first been simple decay was turned into a swarming mist of misery among the capital. Beforehand, there was still a level of beauty to the decimated slum. Now, it was hopeless. As the door to the vehicle opened, permitting them to climb out, Ruon answered Seth.

 

“A thief named Bakura,” he replied, as they walked up the stone path toward the entrance of the crystal palace, “We know he knows where Lady Sith is. But we can't talk to him without arousing suspicion. I was sort of hoping we'd catch one of the pharaoh's top men out in the desert while we pretended to be tending to the Kraken, but they never ended up showing. I'd thought that if I got one of them to help us, they could talk to Bakura for us, and ask about our true rulers.” Seth blinked. This made no sense, who these Espers were actually trying to help, but they certainly weren't on Rath's side at all. Seth stopped moving, and Ruon stopped with him, a questioning look on the Esper's face as he asked, “Why are we stopping?”

 

“Because I've been hiding a lie myself,” Seth replied, “And I think it's best that I unfold it.” He took off the helmet he was wearing to show his true face, and Ruon gasped. His voice was so shocked that it caused Vanargand and the others to stop as well, all of whom gasped in shock.

 

“Who are you, and where is Leon!?” one Esper demanded. Seth laughed, and shook his head.

 

“I'm Priest Seth, of the Pharaoh's Court. I work directly with Sith,” he replied, “As for Leon… well, I met him on the road. He asked me to cover for him. He wanted to see Sith for himself. I agreed. I didn't mean to fool you, but this worked to both our advantages.” Ruon blinked. He didn't know if that was the truth, but he did know his wish was answered. Seth expected a scream, but instead, he received smiles all around as Ruon clapped him on the back.

 

“A fine jest, boy,” Ruon said, laughing, “You fooled us well. We don't want details, but if you're truly working with Lady Sith, we want to help you. Why did you decide to help Leon, though? Did Lady Sith send you here?”

 

“Not directly, but she told me how to get into the palace with her key,” Seth replied, taking out the key Sith had given him prior to his departure. Ruon gasped, taking the key and looking at it. It was definitely of the royal family.

 

“She… she gave this to you?” he gasped, and when Seth nodded, he asked, “Is our princess well? Is she alive? Does she plan to stop Rath?”

 

“Yes to all of those,” Seth replied, crossing his arms, “Right now, she's working with the pharaoh to fend off the attack that may be mounted on Egypt. They sent me to bring back information and that thief, Bakura, but it appears I'll be going back much sooner than they expect if you want to help me.” Ruon nodded, still unable to believe that they had just gotten what they needed. He handed the key back to Seth, who pocketed it.

 

“And we do, but even with us, you'll still need to be careful,” Ruon replied, “Many Espers are still on Rath's side because they do not know Lady Sith still lives, and that there is still hope for peace with humans. Now, our first obstacle is getting you inside. Vanargand and I can manage the guards while you run in with the rest of the brigade, but after that, you may very well have to go it alone while we continue our own charade.” Seth considered this very carefully as the Espers awaited his approval. Finally, he nodded. That was more than he could've asked from them, and he was grateful they were even willing to listen to him. He'd have to tell Sith all of this as soon as he went back.

 

“All right. That will work,” Seth said, “Just get me inside. I'll figure out the rest from in there.” Vanargand and Ruon both nodded, and the entire brigade walked up to the palace doors, which were guarded by two very large snakes. They both hissed, but Ruon held up a hand.

 

“Terrato, Jormungand, calm down,” Ruon said calmly, “We're here on recall. Let us pass.” The snakes looked at each other, and then one of them turned back to Ruon, though which one, Seth couldn't tell just yet.

 

“And why would you be recalled?” the snake, who Ruon addressed as Terrato asked, “You had a specific mission to contend with the Kraken…” As Terrato and Ruon spoke, the doors of the palace opened, and Seth ran in with the rest of the brigade. He could still hear Ruon and Terrato arguing, even as the doors swung shut again, making it difficult to see in the palace. There was no light; none of the crystals that usually gave off the light seemed to be working. Seth blinked, trying to see where everyone had gone, but all he saw was Vanargand, who pointed to a side chamber and dragged Seth other.

 

“We've no time to waste, sir,” he growled lowly, so no one but Seth could hear him, “The rest of the brigade is heading back to their bunks, and I have little time before my absence is known and alerted to. Take this shaft upwards. It goes from the kitchen below all the way into the observatory, which is currently being used to hole up the prisoner. Take this key,” Vanargand handed Seth another large key, “And unlock the prisoner's shackles. Then get him out, and report back to Lady Sith. Tell her all you've learned, and that Rath is going to attack soon. Remember this, and make haste.” Seth blinked, surprised at how fast Vanargand was relaying a plan to him. Had they planned this all along, and had he been the pawn in their plans? He didn't know, but he forced that question away as he nodded, pocketing the key.

 

“Of course. Thank you…?” Seth looked around, suddenly noticing that Vanargand was gone, “…well, I suppose that was it then.” Shaking his head, Seth opened up the chamber door. He was blasted with cold air as the shaft opened up. There was no platform for him to use, and he grabbed the rope in the shaft. It was sturdy, but he didn't know how long that would stay. Praying that it would be long enough, he clambered into the shaft and pulled himself upward. The shaft smelled, and it was cold and damp, but Seth didn't comment. He couldn't risk detection. He silently continued on, remembering the small portion of layout Vanargand was kind enough to give. If he simply went up, he'd be outside of the prisoner's room, or so he hoped. As he thought of this, he didn't realize how far he had climbed, but abruptly, the shaft just ended. He could go no further. Seeing a slit of light, Seth knew he was near another compartment door, and wrenched it open, tumbling forward as he did and landing in a heap in a hallway. He looked around, realizing he wasn't in an observatory. He was near the west wing bedrooms!

 

“…Observatory my foot!” he hissed to himself, “Either that Esper is blind or someone closed up the shaft. My guess is the latter, though the former is more humorous.” He snickered as he considered that, and then realized that he heard voices in another room as well, and they seemed to have heard him, for a door opened up just down the hall. Seth threw himself into the nearest hiding place he could, which unknown to him, was a large laundry basket filled with linen. He waited, and saw Rath come out, looking around.

 

“I know… I've heard something out here!” her shrill voice called, and Seth had to cover his ears. He didn't think anything could've surpassed Sith, but he stood corrected as Rath said, “If I catch one of you ingrates out of your post, you will die!” Then, she went back and slammed the door. Seth sighed. He couldn't move until Rath left. He was just thankful he had allies here, though he hoped he didn't run into anything else. For now, he'd have to stay in that laundry basket until Rath left the floor entirely. That was the safest route, and as Seth sat, all he could do was think of what transpired that day.

 

“I suppose it could've been much worse,” he mused to himself, smirking, “I could've been spiked and roasted. I like this alternative much more.” Sitting up, he brought his knees near his chest, resting his chin on them disinterestedly as he waited for his time.

 

“…I just hope she leaves soon. I'm already getting cramps from sitting like this.”

 

-----------------------------(End Chapter)

 

And so, now Seth will finally have his James Bond in Egypt moments as he secretly weaves his way around Aeroglyph's palace. But, can he find Bakura with Rath so close by? Can he trust his new allies, who swore to be working for Rath only to further their own wish to find Sith? And can Atemu defend Egypt while Seth is on enemy territory? Find out next chapter, so click that Review button!