61For NeferNeferi and anyone else who wants my email, it's ' . com'sorry if this chapter once again displays 'quantity over quality' as some so gently put it. Enjoy
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TheShadowSandsChapter Six
CrimsonWings
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Oh my hero, So far away now, Will I ever see your smile?
"Haktep!" Kana called as loudly as possible through the lessening- yet consistent- rain, voice echoing strangely in the night. Guards shadowed her with weapons bared, insisting that the thieves had caused everything that was happening. Lighting forked across the sky as she navigated streets the teary eyed girl yelping as she was grabbed and pulled aside.
"Kana!" Shin gasped as she held a knife to his neck automatically.
"Shin?" He looked even worse than before. He had been sent home after they returned to the bar from the labyrinth, Senna saying they had no use for him and his sister needed his attention. "Why are you here?"
"They just appeared in my house…..these armoured Ka monsters on black stallions. They say all the pieces must die…." Nefra squeaked from behind her brother, shivering in the light drizzle. Kana stared at Shin as if she couldn't understand a single word that passed his cut lips. "They're hunting us, Kana! They're trying to pick us off!"
She wanted to shout 'No', she wanted to push him away and say he was crazy but she could not, simply because she knew he was probably right. "My brother…he'll know what to do, where to go…." She whispered frantically, her mask slipping to one side of her face.
Nefra screamed as guards appeared in the alley way before being knocked aside by two curved talons. Kana grabbed a stunned Shin, dragging him away. "COME ON NEFRA!" they shouted. She nodded quickly, slipping and sliding into the opposite street. She scrambled in the mud, Kana's eyes widening in horror as she saw a dark shadow on the wall.
Shin rushed forward as Nefra shakily stood. Nefra stared past her brother at Kana's flashing Dia Dank, her chest seizing in fear. Guards shouted and creatures screeched, Kana's call of danger too late for anyone to react sufficiently.
A building caught fire, Shin's pain stricken face further adorned by shifting shadows.
He had pushed Nefra away from the four, meter long claws only to be pushed in return by the one he had tried to save. He fell to his knees in the dirt, blood splattering his blank face, vacant eyes already pouring tears. Nefra lay skewered and face down on the blood shedding talons of the lumbering Fiend before them. Its body looked as if it was simply bone and fleshy muscle with no skin; its skin-less legs were permanently bent as if it were preparing to jump at any moment while its long, bone encased tail swayed behind it. It hissed in hunger as Nefra's warm blood ran down its veined claws and over its bone covered hand and forearm, upper arm left exposed. Foot prints were left in the mud as it took a small step forward, chest rising slowly from beneath its thick rib-cage. The Ka monster's saliva dripped from its skull, running down its long teeth and onto Nefra's back.
Kana squeezed her eyes shut before raising her Dia Dank. "PANTHER WARRIOR!" she screamed hoarsely, the feline swordsman appearing. Its sword swung, chopping off the creatures arm at the shoulder from where black blood began to gush. Kana pulled a handful of arrows from the quiver on her back, loading her bow and firing them into the creature's mouth. It screamed in pain, crashing to the ground and writhing horribly. She did not stop, loading once more and releasing them, panting heavily as metal met bone and its skull cracked. Its body was further divided by the purple furred warrior, Kana looking over to Shin.
He had tried to remove his sister's limp body to no avail, the arm to heavy to move, her body too damaged to salvage. He stroked her head and his nose ran onto his lip as he let the tears flow. "Nefra…" Shin whispered, touching her hand. He jerked back when he felt her clammy flesh; when he did not feel a shred of warmth…when he knew her life was gone…
Kana wanted to go and comfort Shin as he sobbed over his sister's figure but she couldn't. She found herself afraid, suddenly horribly disturbed by death. She wanted her brother, she wanted Fasen, she wanted any of her family to be there beside her to be strong…but as the fire spread and she adjusted her mask, a weeping Shin was the only thing apart from her Panther Warrior that remained alive in the alley.
A tear rolled down her cheek and she knew it was out of fear; fear that she and her family would end up like Oberon and now Renora…She wiped it away before it could be seen as she gently pulled Shin away from the blood bathed body as her Panther growled in warning. Shin held her arm tightly, his hand shaking uncontrollably.
Haktep's little sister was not so little anymore but she still wanted her big brother to protect her.
Love goes away, Like night into day, It's just a fading dream….
The ultimate tag team had been divided with devastating effects, the chain reactions that resulted in triumph, destroyed. Fasen felt along walls, sweat beading on his forehead as he struggled to keep his eyes open. Fever had come upon him quickly, dulling his senses and calling on his worst enemy; sleep.
He stumbled and fell, lying still in the mud until he was carefully lifted up. "Fasen!" Shila shouted, pulling his mask down and tapping his face. She dragged him over to a wall, examining his drained face in the firelight. "Honey…please….."
"Shi…." Fasen whispered. Her face lit up and she nodded to who ever was behind her. Shefnu limped over with the help of Haktep, his thigh had been cut and quickly repaired but he groaned none the less.
"Fasen?" Haktep said doubtfully. Fasen looked up slowly, his breaths shallow and his eyes blank. "Oh no…."
"What do you mean 'OH NO?'" Shefnu asked loudly, as Haktep bent beside Fasen and placed his head close to Fasen's.
"Sahwan ilahee se thes pahra," Fasen whispered, his hands over his ears.
"Not the language….." Haktep nodded slowly.
"Something about the new day….we need another one of the brothers," Shila said quickly.
"You can understand some of their language?" Haktep asked in disbelief. "I spent ten years trying to figure out a sentence and I still don't understand…."
"NOT THE TIME TO WORRY ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF CRAP THAT FILLS YOUR BRAIN!" Shefnu barked.
Ripples travelled across the puddles that dotted the street, the three who had awareness of their surroundings looking around quickly. "Something big…is coming…"
"This can't be real," Shila breathed. "This is all a nightmare…it has to be." Haktep wanted to say 'yes' but he would not lie to her.
"Protect him from the dark, beautiful," Fasen said, hands still over his ears as his mask fell around his neck. "Don't let him turn…"
"What dark?" Shefnu asked. "Protect who? Turn into what?"
Fasen looked up at the three, his watery green eyes reflecting the flames. "Se yamine ichi…." Shefnu was slapping his forehead as a scream pierced the night, guards hurrying through the street.
"We need to find the others," Shefnu said, helping Shila to get Fasen up. "Haktep. Hawk?" Haktep was starring off into the night. "What is it?"
"It…" Haktep began quietly. "That scream was from Kana."
"LOOK! FOUR OF THEM OVER HERE!" a guard shouted appearing at the end of the alley. Shila's arm was up before the servants of the Pharaoh could organize themselves, the four speeding away on a black bird with arrows behind them.
The four hit the ground minutes later as a skeletal creature swooped from the sky, slicing open Shila's bird with a flick of its beak. Shila rolled into a kneeling position, blood running down her chin. "SHEFNU!" she called desperately, searching the empty street for him. "FASEN! HAKTEP!" No reply. She shuffled back in the mud against a wall, looking at the half full light on her Dia Dank.
Her breathing quickened as a puddle rippled, not from the drizzle, but from vibrations on the ground. She struggled to stand up, her leg collapsing painfully under her weight. It was broken.
"HELP!" a man screamed, running by with his arms over his eyes. " I- I can't see!" Shila stared in horror as he removed his arms, a long slash across his eyes. "Help! HELP! I CA-" His words were now the property of death as the long blade exited through his blood-caked forehead. His body fell limp, the blade coming up smoothly through the top of his skull, his body falling limply on the ground. Shila smothered a yelp as the black and blue clad figure appeared, fine apparel splattered with blood. It was slightly taller than Shin, long silver hair falling down its back in a neat ponytail. Shila dragged herself back as its cold blue eyes met hers, the 'human formed' creature taking a small step forward in its shin-high black boots. Its face was covered by a black mask that only showed its eyes, its tunic dark blue much like its pants.
"Thoth…." Shila wheezed, noticing the piece of clothing most commonly worn by the youngest thief. It carefully took another step forward, Shila noticing her reflection in its sword. "You can kill me…..be you can be sure that your death will surpass painful." Slowly, it moved forward, Shila trying her hardest to move away. Her Dia Dank begged to be used and she begged a higher being for the strength to use it. She whispered something to herself as her leg made another unpleasant sound.
"Torture is more fun that an immediate end," the creature hissed, grabbing Shila's wrist with its long-nailed hand and lifting her into the air. It ran a nail down her face, pressing hard enough tear her skin. She winced as blood ran over her mask and the Ka monster reached back to remove its mask.
It pulled the object away from its face to reveal rotting, maggot infested flesh and deep eye sockets; its lips were non-existent, black gums holding rows of jagged, lengthy teeth. It breathed on her face, long purple tongue licking her wound.
A tear rolled down her face as its jaw unhinged, a few of the maggots in its face falling onto her chest and shoulders. "My family…..I love you….Shefnu…I love you….."
Her eyes widened as its teeth sunk into her shoulder, blood trickling down her arm and back. She bit her lip and refused to cry as it let go and ripped off her sleeve to lick up her blood. It had not bitten clean through her arm, but her appendage was useless none-the-less. Her head pounded, double-vision setting in as the humming in her ears began. She now thought that she could truly tell Thoth 'I know how it feels.'
Something glowed from behind the Ka fiend that was going to take her life. She looked at it with half-open eyes hoping it would take the pain away…hoping it would end the suffering. The orb slowly took shape, the newly formed creature gliding forward and stabbing her oppressor through the chest. She fell to the ground, watching as the newly formed monster, in blue and silver, mutilated the one who had done the same to her.
"Shila…." It said softly. Shila felt a small warmth break through the cold that gripped her as she was scooped up in strong arms. "It's my duty to protect you….my sister."
Her heart skipped a beat as she heard his voice. "Oberon…." she said weakly. "Don't- Don't let this be a cruel dream…"
"I'm here to help you Shila."
Shila closed her eyes, her last ounce of strength draining just her blood did. However, the warmth remained and the wind whistled as she was whisked away from all the trouble…if just for a moment.
I'm the darkness,
You're the stars,
Our love is brighter than the Sun.
Asami slid along the icy road she had paved, the soldiers of darkness trapped knee deep in the frozen hell. Ari landed onto the ice, flaming sword already drawn. The fire grew larger and larger, feeding off the burning buildings around it before taking the shape of a colossal dragon that roared in anger. Asami swallowed hard, seeing the cold green that Ari's eyes had become. The dragon grew to massive proportions, rising into the air before incinerating all of the dark minions on Ari's command. The dragon divided snaking down other streets and destroying the Ka monsters that lurked upon them.
Ari watched with no expression as the dragon rose into the air in the distance and roared in rage; rage that flowed from its master. He felt his cheek and fingered the pendant that Senna had given him, fear mingling with the anger that coursed within him. Asami watched him out of the corner of her eye Wingweaver's arms crossing as another of its feathers fell to the ground.
"What's happening to you?" Asami asked her Ka monster, stroking two if its soft, blue wings. It gave her a small smile and shook its head, patting Asami's. Wingweaver was the embodiment of her sisters, Asami still surprised when it gave her a small hug. "You…what's happening to you?"
"Wingweaver is weakening," Rhea breathed. "She's a creature of light and the concentration of darkness is weakening her…you should know that," she continued. Asami rushed over to help her friend who had an arrow sticking out of her arm.
"What happened to you?" Asami asked, helping the amber-eyed girl to the ground.
"Senna and I were running from these guards…they started to shoot and we shot back…..I killed four men today Asami…." Rhea looked at the ground in shame as Asami carefully removed the arrow and bandaged her arm with Rhea's ripped sleeve. "I lost my Senna."
Rhea looked over to Ari, the red head staring into the sky. His Dia Dank lit up, Rhea squinting as light was reflected in her direction by Buster Blader's huge sword. "Asami, take care of Rhea," Ari instructed.
"Take care of Rhea?" Rhea spat. "I DON'T NEED A CARETAKER!" Rhea stood up and opened her Dia Dank, Ari staring at her blankly. "WARRIOR OF TRADITION!" Wingweaver gave a huff of disapproval as Rhea's Ka monster took shape, weapon resembling an elongated cleaver. It was feminine looking; long, straight, dark-green hair in a high ponytail at fell down its back. It wore white socks and wooden slippers, with large white pants that were pleated from the knee and tied with a white cloth belt. It took a silent step forward, the long, maroon sleeves of its wrap over style shirt floating in the wind. It bowed in Ari's direction, blue grey eyes meeting the ground. Ari nodded slowly, his eyes distant.
Asami had seen Ari depressed after Touya had died, his current expression mimicking the way he had looked many years ago. Buster Blader got down on one knee using its sword to support itself as Ari's Dia Dank began to flicker. Asami shook her head and looked away. There was silence except for the screams in the distance as crackling and hissing as the fire spread or was hit by one of the few drops that continued to fall.
The blue eyed one looked up suddenly as a sharp sound echoed in the street, the side of Ari's face red; his eyes open wide in shock as Rhea's hand hovered in mid-air. "You listen to me, Ari," Rhea said sharply. "You don't have time to feel that you failed because you still have a job to do. You better get out of this depressed moment you're going through because we don't have time for it! DO YOU HEAR ME ARI!"
Rhea had taken Shila's place as 'the one who you must ALWAYS heed', Ari nodding slowly as Rhea put her hand down.
"Nice speech," Renora and Rayeel said from the corner. "Let's save these moments for a later date."
The fraction of the group rushed down the street, a tiny ray of hope shining brighter than it had for what seemed like forever. Ari fingered Senna's pendant and it felt slightly warmer, the red-head knowing that it had not truly grown warmer, but lying to himself and letting his imagination continue with the charade.
Ari forced himself to smile, and remained strong in the conviction that they would all be drinking beer together again.
He and Senna would be married properly….everyone would be laughing in the bar again…they would….
Somewhere deep inside, hidden from himself, Ari knew that this was probably not the truth, but it mattered not; Ari had bent the truth so much in his mind that it was broken. He liked it that way….it was harder to see the pain if was shattered.
For eternity, For me there can be,
Only you my chosen one.
Ultimate levels of skill had manifested in the heat of desperation, the ultimate tag team, within the tag team showing that their blood was shed for a high price; your life.
Bakura loaded his arrow once more, the tips igniting in blue flame before they were fired into the head of another huge creature. He slid along the ground, slicing open the back of another soldier's legs before Thoth plunged his sword into their head, sabre crawling with magic symbols. A sword wielding shoulder reached forward and grabbed Thoth by his collar, throwing the thief towards a wall; another mistake. Thoth hit the wall feet first, pushing himself back in the direction from which he came and stabbing his attacker through the chest. It did not move for a moment, Thoth dangling from his embedded sword, a good foot above the ground. Bakura gave a nod of approval as the creature hit the ground, millipedes crawling from its mouth.
One lone soldier remained at the end of the street, black shield taking on mirror-like qualities in the firelight. They looked to their full Dia Danks, the creatures that they had summoned, off in search of the others.
"How many are there?" Bakura asked as the soldier took a step forward.
"An army…." Thoth whispered. "In the chamber…there was a message written in the ring around the reaper. That message was 'My minions of darkness shall arise upon my apparent defeat and with them, death shall come on shift wings.' Thoth thinks that this is a bunch of crap," Thoth finished blankly.
"Your calmness never creases to amaze me….simply because I know that the only reason you're so calm is you're too stupid to understand what's going on." Thoth sweatdropped.
"That backwards compliment was only given because of your inability to admit your own incompetence."
There was a high pitched buzzing sound before the soldier exploded, Thoth erecting a barrier before they could be hit with pieces of flying armour and chunks of meat. They looked slowly, breaking into exhausted grins.
"SENNA!" they screamed, jumping up and holding onto the end of her floating broomstick.
"HANDLE THE WOOD WITH CARE!" Senna shouted, waving her arms madly, and smiling although her arms and face were cut up. They stared at the attractive Ka monster beside her, raising eyes brows as it winked at them. Its skin was fair, long, dark-green hair falling down its back and over its shoulders. Its pointy hat was scarlet, as was its ankle long, dress that had long, wide sleeves with the upper part of the dress tighter than the bottom. Its eyes were blue-grey and highly mischievous.
"Mystical Sands!" Thoth said with excitement, voice fading lowly.
"Is it a spellcaster like Sen's Magician?" Bakura questioned.
"Its element is of darkness but it's a Rock summon," Thoth explained. "A rock summon that happens to be Senna's Ka…WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU! YOU KNOW THAT SUMMONING YOUR KA MEANS THAT IF IT IS DESTROYED YOU RECEIVE MORE DAMAGE! THOTH IS GOING TO SMACK YOU!"
"I didn't have a choice Thoth," Senna said pointing to her Dia Dank. The light was nearly gone but she gave a tired grin. "Let's get to finding my arm candy….I need something to lean on."
"What a coincidence….so do I," someone said. They turned slowly staring at the ones at the end of the street.
"ARI!"
Senna rushed forward on the broom stick, Mystical Sands' eyes growing to twice their size as she nearly fell off her own 'vehicle'. She launched herself into Ari's arms, the pair holding onto each other as if they had suddenly fused.
Thoth and Rhea stared blankly. "So…I guess we don't matter," Rhea, Sen and Thoth mumbled.
"Yeah, that's about right," Ari and Senna replied. "SEN!"
Thoth flew clear past Ari, slamming into Sen and looking him over before punching him in the side. "YOU FOOLS, DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH STRESS YOU'RE GIVING THOTH!" Thoth yelled.
"They're truly useless," Fasen mumbled from between Shefnu and Haktep.
Fasen was hanging from between them, eyes still half open. "Hello," Haktep said, pulling his mask down. "Nice weather we're having."
Rhea gave a half smile walking briskly towards Haktep, screaming in frustration as she was knocked aside by Kana. "HAKTEPPPPPPPPPPP!" Kana squealed, as her brother swung her around. She stuck her tongue out at the one who constantly competed for her brother's attention. She let go of Haktep and grabbed Rhea's arm, pulling her to Haktep. "I guess you also deserve a moment…."
"I guess we're not important anymore," Senna and Ari mumbled, noticing how their siblings had lost interest in them.
"No, you're not," Renora said flatly.
"Quiet midget," Senna growled. Those who had summoned returned their monsters to save energy.
"Where's Shila?" Shefnu asked. "Where is she?"
"We sent Ka monsters out to find her," Bakura said. He looked at his Dia Dank, the light flashing faster and faster. "They should be near us….."
They stepped back as two stunning creatures descended gracefully, clad fully in a black, semi-transparent body suits with a low necklines and blue-green robes. They were covered in silver swirls and accents, one with long blonde hair while the other's hair was long and red. The blonde held a sword while the other firmly grasped a bow, both with identical, piercing golden eyes.
"Very nice….." Haktep commented. Rhea gave him a sharp look. "NO! NOT THE KA MONSTERS THE FACT THAT THEY SUMMONED!" Rhea crossed her arms. "So…who summoned these? Thoth?"
"No, Thoth did not. It was Bakura," Thoth clarified.
All the males of the group stared at Bakura with raised eyebrows. "Oh la la!" they all cooed.
"Bakura's becoming a big boy…and wants to look at big boy thingsssssssssssss," Shefnu said slyly, pointing to the tightly clad female monsters.
"The Gemini Elves," Sen began. "How interesting."
"You're gonna be a pervert," Asami mused. "I knew they were a bad influence on you…especially Shefnu and Ari….horrible."
"I'M NOT A BLOODY PERVERT!" Bakura snapped. "It was the first monster I thought of so I called it. OK!"
The others nodded, their expressions saying they did not believe him. "Yeah, sure," Kana mumbled. Bakura crossed his arms, now ignoring the burning roofs and distant yelps and walking to Renora and Thoth.
"Thoth is worried about Shila," Thoth said slowly.
Renora looked at Thoth's face that was once again hidden. "Aren't you going to show me your face?" she asked. Thoth jerked backwards.
'W-What?" Thoth stuttered. 'Why would you want to see that?" Renora stepped forward and reached out to pull back Thoth's hood, Bakura grabbing her hand as he lowered his mask.
"There's nothing to see," Bakura told her. "Thoth has no face." Renora looked at Bakura's hand once he had let her go, playing with her hands. Thoth gave a sigh, looked at Renora then nudged Bakura softly. "Don't start Thoth."
"Yes, Kura," Thoth said with a sigh.
"Kura," Renora repeated.
"Don't call me that," Bakura said quickly. Renora looked highly abashed.
"Fine."
"We don't know if the bar is burnt," Sen said.
"Rhea, Kana, Rayeel and Shin have all been shot, and everyone else has injuries…." Senna said. 'Where will we go?"
Bakura looked at Shin. His presence was hardly noticeable; he did not talk and had not moved since he arrived with Kana, not that anyone could blame him since they knew what had happened.
"We can go to Asami's," Haktep suggested. "Her father is dead and couldn't re-establish himself there anyway."
" I think he's the one that's doing this…." Asami trailed off.
"Thoth killed him two times over, and then his soul was sealed," Ari reminded her.
"How could he still be alive? It's not like he has nine lives," Rayeel said. No one answered this.
"Maybe not nine…possibly more or less."
"What do you mean?" Kana asked.
"He told us that he would return because he had many souls of great power..." Fasen whispered. "Ahmen malis…."
Ari, Sen and Thoth nodded. "THE LANGUAGE!" Shefnu suddenly shouted. "That thing you said when you were in that trance…Thingy….." Shefnu looked to Haktep.
"I can't remember it," Haktep admitted.
"What did it sound like? Thoth is good at understanding gibberish," Ari said. "Right Thoth?" No reply. "Thoth?"
Bakura and those on either side of him were staring into the sky as Ka monster landed. It was the height of Sen's Magician of Black Chaos, Renora's jaw dropping when it appeared. It glanced at her with cold amethyst eyes before taking its position behind Thoth. "YOU SUMMONED THAT!" Renora yelled.
"You summoned the Silent Magician again (AN: the Silent magician is the robed magician with silver hair summoned in the labyrinth)?" Fasen asked. Thoth nodded. Fasen wiped an imaginary tear. "I'm so proud."
The Silent Magician extended its white gloved hand, holding out a piece of paper. Ari took it, Thoth's monster clutching its staff in annoyance. Ari opened it and stared at a blood spot surrounded by dots.
"What the hell is that?" Renora asked.
"HURRY AND COUNT THEM!" the others, except Rayeel shouted, gathering around Ari.
"SHE'S HEAVILY INJURED! SHE HAS PROTECTION!" Shefnu shouted, getting the message from the paper.
"Where is she!" Sen asked. They all turned to Thoth's magician. "Ask him where Shila is!"
Thoth stared at the Ka monster that stood tall over him. "She's really close!" Thoth yelled. Bakura was off down the street before anything else could be said. Thoth glanced at his magician and frowned. "That answer was not very accurate." The Silent Magician smirked and Thoth punched it.
"SHE'S RIGHT HERE!" Bakura cried back. They darted off after him, Kana giving Shin a pitying look. She was the last to arrive, stepping back when she saw the mangled form of Shila. Her neck and arm were covered in blood, her lips already turning blue as she continued to sweat. Shefnu was kneeling beside her, screaming hysterically as Sen struggled to heal her.
"She's poisoned," Asami said, pulling cloth out of her bag and pressing Shila's shoulder. Sen, Fasen, Ari, Haktep and Thoth were whispering non-stop, Shila's shoulder glowing faintly.
"WHY ISN'T IT WORKING?" Bakura shouted. "MAKE IT WORK!" Bakura ordered, panic overtaking him. "HURRY UP SHE'S DYING!"
The Ka monster that had brought Shila remained, watching her carefully with concern. 'She can not die," he said. Haktep looked at the creature briefly.
"Jack's Knight," he said. He looked for a moment longer. 'Oberon?" The Ka monster nodded, the others not having time to gape or comment.
"SHILA!" Shefnu screamed. "SHILA!" Bakura looked at her drained body, waiting for her to get up as he held her mask in his hands. Her chest stopped moving, everyone falling silent. "SHILA GET UP! SHILA!" Shefnu held her shoulders and shook her lightly. Thoth's hands shook violently but Bakura did not move. He was frozen.
"SHE'S NOT DEAD!" Ari shouted. "NO…. SHE CAN'T DIE!"
Thoth bit his lip so hard it began to bleed. "Save Shila…." He whispered.
"We need to…" Haktep whispered. "I…."
Silent Magician floated behind them, staff turning to dust as it brushed them aside to pick up Shila. It was still for a moment, white glove gently touching her shoulder. The glove slowly began to turn black, as Shila's flesh returned to its original colour, her blood coated skin closing in a minute. It stood before Shefnu and placed her in his arms, arm falling limp at its side.
Shefnu's tear stained face lit up as Shila opened her eyes. "I got a scratch…. It stings," she whispered. "I know how it feels Thoth." Thoth gave a small nod, blood dripping down his chin from under his mask.
"What happened to you?" Bakura asked.
"Healing Shila must have hurt it…..I'm taking damage," Thoth said. Bakura wiped Thoth's chin with his wrist.
"Clean yourself up Thoth. You're unsightly."
"Shila," Haktep began quickly. "Can you remember what Fasen said?"
"Sahwan ilahee se thes pahra," Shila repeated fluently.
"Never breathe the new day," Sen translated solemnly. There was silence.
"WHAT?' Renora blurted out. Everyone looked at her doubtfully. "I GIVE UP! OK? WE'RE GONNA DIE, IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME! FASEN IS TELLING US WE WON'T MAKE IT TO TOMORROW, SO WHY DON'T WE JUST GIVE UP AND DIE IN SOME SORT OF PEACE? THIS IS USE-" Renora was silent as she was knocked face first into the mud by one of Bakura's Elves.
"Shut up, Renora," Rayeel mumbled.
"So….what's our plan?" Rhea asked. "Someone is trying to pick us off…..so I can see where Renora's coming from."
"Shut up, Rhea," Senna mumbled.
Bakura looked through the ranks for Kana, her form no where in sight. "Thoth where…." He trailed off, noticing that his hooded comrade was not there. He looked up, Thoth and Kana standing side by side on the edge of a roof.
"Kana!" Haktep called. "KANA!" She did not reply, or even show she had heard him. Thoth's Magician looked at Bakura with no expression, extending its clean hand for Bakura to take. He accepted it and was carried to the roof top.
He saw the cause for their silence.
The streets crawled with guards and dark Ka soldiers, both no less than three streets away. Houses burned brilliantly, the fire lighting up the night in blazing majesty. Undead creatures cut through the skies, arrows flying upwards from below. The others made their way onto the roof, minus Shila and Shefnu.
"We….can't fight them all….."
"Both are trying to kill us," Bakura said. 'And trying to kill each other."
"I can not think of a single plan…." Haktep admitted. "Death does seam to be the only route out."
"A smart person once taught Thoth that there is always more than one path," Thoth whispered.
The night was cold, the group only now having the time to feel the wind….to take a breath….to say a multi-lined prayer…..the time was short, the collection of children snapped back to reality as a dome suddenly appeared around them.
Senna slammed into it, beginning thrown back and shocked. Shefnu looked up from the street, Shila looking around frantically. Hurried, heavy footsteps infiltrated the air, Oberon's eyes widening as a thin wire wrapped around his wrists. "What the hell?" Shefnu breathed.
"Oberon," Shila called feebly as blood began to run from Oberon's wrists. A spike shot up from the ground, piercing the leg of Shila's Jack's Knight. He struggled to wrench free, the wire severing both of his hands at the wrist. Shila shrivelled inside, heart breaking as she practically watched her brother die again. Jack's Knight collapsed on the ground, beetles appearing and swarming over his form, disappearing and taking him with them. Ari used magic on the dome, the cage shattering only to reform directly after.
Shefnu scanned both ends of the street as the footsteps increased, carefully helping Shila stand beside him. He raised his Dia Dank to the sky. "Gearfr-" He pushed Shila to the ground, the former noble lying flat in the mud.
Bakura let Thoth hang off his arm as the youngest thief fell to their knees in dismay. Those on the other side of the enclosed roof rushed to the opposite side, silence gripping them like the darkness.
Shefnu smiled, Dia Dank going dark and falling off his arm. Two more arrows were released from either end of the road, Shefnu's body crying the only thing it could; blood. The guards fired another arrow into Shefnu's body and his knees finally gave way, the red liquid that filled his mouth dribbling past his cracked lips. The next arrow hit him in the shoulder, skewering his body as if it were nothing. He hit the ground on his side, facing Shila, giving her a small smile as blood ran down his cheek and onto the ground. The guards shouted pointless orders to Shefnu, threatening to shoot again.
"I love you, my Shila….." he breathed, choking on the fluid that once gave him life.
Shila dragged herself forward and kissed him on the lips, battling to see through the tears. "I love you more, my Shefnu," she cried. He gave a thumbs up the one on the roof, arm slowly dropping to his side. "Stay strong. Stay strong…..don't leave me," Shila begged. "No Shefnu….." Her tears were in vain as Shefnu's eyes grew dim, and his lids shut for the final time.
"You'll never be without me…my Shila…" Shila shook her head and intertwined their fingers, refusing to believe what she knew was true. Shila screamed, voice filled with more pain than she had ever felt. She shook her head, pressing her cheek against Shefnu's and letting her tears run down his face.
The archers on the street caught fire, screaming in pain and confusion, the other guards throwing mud on them in vain. The guards burned slowly, the smell of charred flash filling the air before they exploded. Ari took a slow step forward, making a fist and punching clean through the dome. It shattered and rained upon those sent from the palace, silence filling the air as they were skewered with its fragments.
The group hurried onto the street and over to Shefnu, Renora looking away before bursting into tears into Rayeel's tunic. No one wanted to look at Shila for they knew no words of comfort powerful enough. Kana, Rhea and Senna let silent tears fall, Rayeel much the same. Bakura refused to cry after he let the first tear fall, looking at Thoth out of the corner of his watering eyes. Thoth was facing a wall, his hands over his ears and he swayed back and forth. Fasen was still and unmoving, tears running down his face as he dropped to his knees.
Haktep was kneeling on the ground next to Shefnu's body, his head bowed low. His hands trembled as he touched Shefnu's shoulder, carefully removing the arrow. He pulled out each arrow and tapped Shila's shoulder so she would allow him to roll Shefnu onto his back. He removed Shefnu's mask from around his neck and gave it to Shila, her sobs slightly quieter as she held it to her chest.
Haktep leaned forward and held onto Shefnu's body. "You were one of my brothers…..you will always be my brother, Shefnu," Haktep said. Haktep crossed Shefnu's arms over his chest and placed a knife in each hand.
Ari kept his distance, not looking at the others. "Ari…" Senna whispered, touching his shoulder. He brushed her off, and moved aside, Senna letting a fresh tear roll down her face. Ari walked to Thoth and pulled him into a hug, Thoth's body shaking violently.
"He's just….." Bakura attempted to explain. His words were lost, the sadness inside of him mutating into something far more dangerous; anger. Bakura watched as Ari's Dia Dank vibrated, all the spaces glowing dimly.
"THEY CAME THIS WAY!" someone shouted. Ari's eyes widened, a thin light shooting from his Dia Dank, and rounding a corner. Screams erupted from the direction in which it had gone, something crashing to the ground as dust rose in the air. Rage burned within each of them, their hate for the guards nearly as powerful as their will to survive; more voices and now the scraping of metal and shuffle of those in heavy armour.
"Both of them are coming….we have to go…." Bakura said. Sen and Fasen peeled a broken Shila from the love of her life, following Rayeel, Kana, Renora, Senna and Rhea around the corner. Ari walked over to Shefnu's body and crouched beside it.
"You made me proud to be your partner in crime…" Ari said. He took a knife from his belt and placed in beside the form of his friend. "Let's go…." He said to Bakura. "Thoth. Let's go." Thoth abandoned his position on the wall and shuffled over to Shefnu. The youngest thief leaned forwards and carefully hugged the limp body on the ground before moving to walk beside Bakura.
"Thoth…are you crying?" Bakura asked. Thoth shook his head.
"Thoth is a monster," Thoth breathed. "Thoth did not cry…when one of his best friend's leaves forever…..Thoth should die…." Bakura swallowed hard.
"You are no monster Thoth," Bakura said firmly. Thoth did not look at him. Bakura took Thoth's hand in his own and pulled Thoth closer to him until their shoulders touched. "This family will survive. We will get through this."
"Thoth believes….because Thoth knows that Kura would not lie to her….." Bakura missed a breath and now knew the extent of Thoth's emotional damage.
Bakura searched for something to say, fate once again snatching the chance from him. Something hit the ground in front of them, the ground quivering before something exploded and threw them all into the air, Renora being the only one to scream.
Must I forget you? Our solemn promise…
Will autumn take the place of spring?
Sen sat up slowly and looked around, carefully touching the split in his forehead. The world swam around him, indistinguishable shapes partially illuminated by the fire. He felt his arm for his Dia Dank, fingers tracing a jagged rip where it once was.
"Come on Senny," voices called. "Come this way…." He crawled towards them, stopping as his green pendant burned beneath his clothes. He shuffled back, a claw striking the ground where he had been. There was a shriek, Sen looking up at his Magician of Black Chaos.
"Leave me….Find…my family…protect them," Sen begged. His magician ignored him, picking him up and taking a few steps. "Why don't you ever listen to me…you're worse than Shefnu." Sen's lips remained parted on the final word 'Shefnu'. He ran his finger along his arm and his head; sealing the wounds just enough to stop the blood flow. The brunette squirmed from his magicians grasp and landed shakily on the ground, pain vanishing from his mind to be replaced by one thought; revenge.
He drew a thin sword from the sheath on his back and stalked into the street, staring at the group of guards before him with blank eyes. One turned, a set of hurried attack commands filling the air as he spotted his open Dia Dank on the ground. They rushed towards the skilled summoner, the blue-haired one gliding forward and doing something he had not done for a long time; killed another human.
One just one; but six.
He gazed at his blade and stared at the blood in wonder as if it were something new and fascinating, the Magician of Black Chaos taking it from him. His hands shook and shame overtook him…..he had killed for simple satisfaction; and it had felt good.
…
Asami no longer fought for survival, but now for the savage satisfaction of revenge. The guard begged for mercy, their words fouls and unknown in the summoner's shattered mind. She stared down at him hatefully, plunging the blade deep into his chest and turning it with unprovoked brutality. His eyes were wide in horror but his end had been all too quick, Asami rising slowly as the splatters of blood on her face shined in the fire light. The smile on her face slowly drooped as she gazed at one of the beings she had killed; he was not much older than her.
Shouts echoed around her as her body grew numb and her blood slicked knife fell to the floor. Asami wrapped her stained hands around her blood sprinkled body, blue wings surrounding her. Wingweaver placed as hand on Asami's head, the one who strived to be cold holding onto the figure behind her with a trembling hand.
"What have I done?" she asked Wingweaver in a choked whisper. Wingweaver did not reply, Asami looking up at her with tear rimmed eyes. The Ka monster that held a small past of each of Asami's sisters wiped her tears.
Asami screamed in as a sharp pain shot through her chest. She clutched it instinctively, mumbling in disbelief as she looked at the claw through Wingweaver's chest. Wingweaver pushed her away, and pushed itself from the creature's claw. Asami had no time to catch a glimpse of what had damaged her Ka monster before it appeared.
"You…..you're what hurt Shila," she breathed, gazing at the masked creature.
"Very smart my dear….." it replied. Asami struggled to breathe upon hearing the final words 'my dear'. "Your dear Thoth had the strength to kill me…..but I always have a back up…." Its body twisted and undulated until it took a familiar shape; the shape of an arrow loaded Shefnu. "I told you there would be consequences if you defied me….I warned you."
Wingweaver hit the wall behind them, blood dribbling from the corner of Asami's mouth. "Get up, Wingweaver." Wingweaver pushed itself up, leg collapsing as the small hole in its chest began to grow.
"Not even your sisters can protect you…but know that they tried until the bitter end. Just as Shin tried. Just as Nefra tried. Just as Shefnu tried. Just as Senna and Rhea will try….Just as Haktep and Rayeel and Renora will try. And oh how those brothers will try….And how Kana will try…" As soon as the last word passed the foul lips a scream echoed in the night, Asami knowing instantly who it had belonged too; Kana. A bow dropped to the ground, a familiar name carved in the bloody wood. Its body convulsed again and shifted to the form of a small girl with emerald eyes and long dark-blue hair. Blood slowly ran down her face, blood spurting from the punctures in her flesh. "The one to kill me will be the second to go, my dear, dear Asami."
Asami reached for the bow on her back, fumbling for arrows she would not find. Hated tears fell down her face as Wingweaver shattered and a wound in her right arm opened. "I hope you burn in the pits of the afterlife," Asami growled. It twisted again and took the form of the masked, rotting soldier. "I made a promise that I would…..I would help a friend remove a mask….."
"You're so good at breaking promises; this will be just one more. Besides, the one you promised won't need your help where they're going." She tripped and fell backwards, the blade of her hunter glinting in the light. "Your friend Haktep would probably tell you that this is a magic sword with two abilities; the first is pointless, it is to blind people….the other is that whatever damage it inflicts can not be reversed."
She ignored the scream of a guard as they were halved by a soldier, the sword reflected in her sapphire orbs. The light on her Dia Dank disappeared as more blood crossed her lips. "You may have seen part of the future, and this is why you no longer have use for me, but I have seen your defeat. Although I do not know, Fasen knows the one out of us who you have chosen….they will fail you. You will die at the hand of your greatest enemy."
"Your lies are useless, just like the rest of you." He glanced at Asami's right arm and tilted his head to the side in amusement. "Goodbye my dear." There was no great pause, to further conversation, nothing but the bitter meeting of steel and skin.
Bone yielded just as the flesh surrounding it had done, Asami's screams drowned out by the initial feeling of pain as her right arm was severed from just above the elbow. She felt her life force draining through what she had left of an arm as she lay in the mud, tears falling freely down her face as the night grew still.
She wished for her family. She wished. She wished until her mind could only concentrate on one thing.
"My name's Sen. Are you alright?"
She smiled bitterly. He had been her saviour and would always be her hero. She focused her energy into the last spell she would ever use; the spell of sanctuary. A spell that would at least save him.
"ASAMI!" a voice screamed. His green eyes appeared briefly before her eyes closed and it grew so much colder. He held her body close to his and she smiled as her magic took affect, her draining body and his battered form being lifted into the air. He screamed for her to stop what she was doing; for her to let him try to save his family. "ASAMI! I HAVE A JOB TO DO!" He was mumbling hysterically as he tried to repair what remained of her arm. "Asami….I love you. You can't die."
Her eyelids parted slightly and she smiled. "I can die…but I will save you whether you like it or not…because I love you." Sen stared at her in confusion, begging her to send him back. A white gas filled their sphere, Sen's mind clouding as warm blood poured over his gloved hand.
"Ari needs me…Fasen…Thoth…" Asami did not answer him and did not stir when he called her name with slurred speech. He felt worthless as his body lost the will to fight and his eyes closed.
In the distance Sen's Magician remained, cold eyes as emotionless as ever. It stood atop a roof destroying a creature that flew overhead with little effort. Its arm slowly began to crumble, its staff turning to dust as its legs disappeared. As it faded, it gazed upon a child cowering in a corner.
"Can you help me?" the child asked. It shook its head and the child began to cry, sobbing as the Ka monster vanished completely.
The sobs were cut short, the one who was crying slumping to the ground in a limbless heap.
What shall I do? I'm lost without you… Please, speak to me once more….
Haktep kicked a guard into a wall, the one from the palace grunting in pain. "RHEA HURRY!" he screamed.
"Kung Fu Nyan Nyan," Rhea called to her creature. "Clear the street ahead." Her monster nodded obediently, bounding off around a corner. Haktep and Rhea hurried down a burning street, embers burning brightly as roofs collapsed doors crumbled.
Senna stood ahead of them, firing arrows into a one-eyed green giant that was twice as high as the buildings surrounding it. "VAMPIRE LORD!" Haktep called. His Ka monster appeared, black cloak floating eerily around it. It did not wait for any command before extending a hand, hundreds of bats rushing out from the darkness of its cape. They attacked the giant, blood spurting from tiny holes in its body before it fell to its knees.
"Mystical Sands!" Senna cried weakly. Her Ka rushed forward and landed on the giant's head, its body turning to stone. It smacked the immobile creature with its broom, watching with satisfaction as it crumbled.
"You're energy is barely there…." Haktep whispered, pointing to the slither of light left on Senna's Dia Dank.
"No big deal…." Senna replied with fake enthusiasm.
Rhea stood at the end of the street looking around slowly. "Can you hear that?" she asked quietly.
"No I can't hear 'that'," Haktep answered quickly. "We better get moving, the fire is g-" A roof collapsed, a mammoth piece of burning wood crashing to the street between Senna and Haktep, and Rhea.
"RHEA!" Senna screamed. She ran towards the burning plank, looking for a way to pass it without being burnt alive. "Mystical sands, GO GET HER!"
"NO!NO!" Rhea shouted. "WE JUST HAVE TO MAKE OUR WAY ROUND THESE BUILDINGS AND WE'LL MEET UP! DON'T RISK YOUR KA MONSTER!"
"VAMPIRE LOR-" Haktep began.
"NOT YOU EITHER HAKTEP! JUST MOVE NOW!" There were many shouts of disagreement until the pair against Rhea finally gave in.
Rhea turned and jogged to the corner, the pain in her side growing worse with each step she took. She dodged another falling plank, rolling out of its way but into a wall. She gagged on her own blood as it filled her mouth and lungs, her Dia Dank growing deathly dim; her Kung Fu Nyan Nyan had been destroyed. The archer pulled herself up and hurried down the street letting out a sigh of relief as she saw the last corner.
The arrow hit the back of her left leg as Senna and Haktep came into view, the amber eyed, dark haired summoner falling painfully to the ground. Senna let out an automatic scream, Haktep's Vampire Lord gliding darkly over Rhea's body to sink its fangs into neck of the lone attacking guard. Rhea dragged herself along the ground, ears perking up as she heard a loud, splintering sound. Her amber eyes widened as her mask hit the mud.
Haktep shouted an order to his Vampire Lord but it was too late; the heavy plank fell, time lagging before it fell onto of Rhea's damaged body. Senna screamed, tripping over her own feet before scrambling over to her sister. Haktep dropped to the ground beside Senna, pulling off his bag and leaning close to her.
"Rhea…." Senna choked. "Rhea…." Rhea gave a smirk and a grunt.
"Weird that a lowly guard and a hunk of wood would be the causes of my death….." she said faintly.
Haktep shook his head as he tried to lift the wood from Rhea's back and legs, blood flowing faster from the rip in his forearm. "You…you shut up Rhea," Haktep grunted stubbornly.
Senna and Haktep pushed their weight against the wood, Senna watching in horror as her Mystical Sands' hand broke upon attempting to lift the wood. Haktep begged his Vampire Lord for assistance, his Ka monster returning to his light-less Dia Dank. Haktep cursed loudly in frustration as Rhea reached out a hand to him and her sister. They took it quietly and knelt in the mud.
"It's an honour to die a fighter's death….beside two of the greatest fighters I will ever know…." Rhea whispered, holding their hands firmly. "You tell those brothers and Thoth to behave…..tell Bakura that he'd better make us proud…tell Shi that she's just perfect….."
Senna held her sister's hand tighter, angry and confused as tears rolled down her face. She fought common sense and denied the truth. "You stop talking like that…." Senna demanded. "YOU STOP IT RIGHT NOW!"
Rhea gave a feeble chuckle. "It's so obvious that I'm the older one, Senna….I'm so proud of you my sister. Ari better take good care of you or I'll kill him." Senna was silent, sobbing restrained as her chest began to constrict. "My lovely Haktep…your silence bothers me…"
Haktep had Rhea's left hand held tightly in both of his as he cried quietly. "D-don't leave m-me…..Rhea….I'll d-die also...I can't think without you…." He stuttered.
"I can't leave you Haktep…love won't let me…." There were a few seconds of silence. "When we first met…you said we were all too young to know what love is. I think I'm old enough to know now."
"Stop t-talking about love…..you hate talking about it…."
"I love you Senna….And I love you, my lovely Haktep…."
"I love you too…."
Senna did not reply, her face frozen in terror. Rhea's grip grew slightly limper before becoming altogether non-existent, her hand falling from Haktep's to hit the ground. "Speak to me Rhea…" Senna begged. "I don't know what to do…." Senna held even tighter, suddenly letting go and pushing her back against the wood. "SHE'S NOT GONE! WE CAN SAVE HER WE JUST HAVE TO MOVE IT!" she screamed. She pushed with the little strength she had left, stomping forwards and holding Haktep's collar. "HELP ME HAKTEP!" she demanded, shaking him brutally. "HELP ME!HELP ME! HELP ME! HELP…me….." She fell to the ground and screamed, hating her current existence. Haktep put his arms around her and she continued to scream.
A small orb rose from Rhea's Dia Dank and settled within Haktep's, two rectangles suddenly lighting up. The Ka monster looked down at them from its hovering, cross-legged position with bright amber eyes. It smirked and wiggled its nose. "Thunder Nyan Nyan….." Haktep said from the ground. "Rhea….."
It nodded slowly, two blue spheres popping from no where and sucking Senna and Haktep into them. Senna pounded on the sphere and demanded to be let go so she could search for Ari and the others and Haktep attempted to free himself to retrieve Kana. Their struggle was in vain as the orbs began to drift away into the sky.
"My Ari needs me….." Senna breathed.
Thunder Nyan Nyan grew ridged, and suddenly glowed red before being pulled to the ground and out of sight. Haktep pounded the sphere, yelling as Senna's orb was attacked by a grey dragon and cracked. There was nothing he could do as the dragon bit down on the sphere and it shattered, Senna plummeting back to the ground.
Her body screamed in pain as she hit the wooden top of a stall before falling limply to the empty road. She pushed herself onto her knees and looked around; the street was too normal. Senna removed a piece of wood from her back and looked at her arrows scattered on part of the street. The arrows felt miles away as she struggled to crawl to them, arm throbbing immensely.
The street grew colder, Senna's eyes widening upon the sight of the masked creature. Its sword gleamed like its long silver hair. She felt her broken quiver for another arrow, loading her bow and firing it into the creature's masked face. It hit its target, the mask cracking down the centre to reveal a grotesque face.
The creature briefly halted and touched its face with a gloved finger, face twisting into a demented smile. "Nice aim…" it complemented her, taking a step forward.
"STOP IN THE NAME OF THE PHARAOH!" a gaggle of guards ordered, from behind Senna, pointing spears and arrows. The creature gave an amused chuckled, extending a hand before the guards were lifted into the air. They flailed and cried in no avail, their heads ripped from their bodies by an unseen force. Senna panted and crawled backwards as the bodies hit the ground around her, the eyes of the guards still wide and terrified, their faces twisted in pain and horror.
"I've always thought you a pretty one, Senna." It moved forward in a graceful movement and towered over her.
"SENNA!" a voice called. Senna looked back to stare at the green eyed, red-head running towards her with Buster Blader in his wake.
"ARI!" The creature raised a hand, Ari lifting his Dia Dank.
"STAY AWAY FROM SENNA YOU BASTARD! BUSTER BLADER, SOUL BLADE!" Buster Blader jumped into the air, blade vibrating and glowing white as it swiftly brought it down. The creature caught the sword in its hand, Buster blader swinging its leg around and kicking it into the wall. "Are you ok?" Ari asked, helping Senna up.
"My Rhea is gone," Senna breathed. Ari's fist tightened.
"No time for talk,' the creature informed them, slowly lifting its own blade. Buster blader attacked again, Ari dropping to one knee as it was destroyed with a single stab from its opponent. "Death is all I wish upon you Ari…..Senna may be used for other purposes…." Ari stood up instantly, creating a human shield.
"Shut your mouth," Ari barked. The creature twisted and took the shape of the one who held supreme power in Egypt; Pharaoh Akunumkanon.
"Why do hate me so much when he is the one that killed your brother…..broke your family…."
"Is he right?" someone whispered doubtfully, white hair covering their eyes. They turned to look at Thoth and Bakura, the pair shadowed by Bakura's Gemini Elves and Thoth's Silent Magician.
"He's not right Bakura…." Ari growled.
"He's just weak," Fasen added. Fasen looked as though he had been to hell and back. His arms were badly burnt, blood dribbled down his legs and his back was covered in deep slashes.
"Just the ones I want to kill," the creature said motioning to Fasen and Thoth.
Ari stepped forward and unsheathed his sword. "You want a fight?" he questioned. The creature stepped forward.
"Of course, I do. Just ano-" Ari brought his fist up swiftly, hitting the creature in the jaw. There was a cracking sound as the thief's foot hit the creature's side and his sword was plunged into its head. It lay on the ground for a moment before sitting up and smiling contently. "You just stabbed the Pharaoh in the head. Punishment is in order."
"You're so right," Fasen whispered. "PUNISHMENT OF THE WICKED!" The ground lit up, a white light shining from Fasen's Dia Dank. The light grew stronger, creating a thin stream that went upwards to the sky before forming an orb that slammed into the one who took the Pharaoh's form. They squirmed, blood spilling from their mouth, most of the creatures in the sky above them exploding from Fasen's magic.
"Is it dead….." Senna questioned cautiously after it stopped smoking.
It sat up abruptly and grinned. "No," it answered. "The fun begins."
Fasen hit the wall hard, part of the stone crumbling as he hit the ground. Ari began a spell, a dragon swooping from above and throwing him to the ground. He held his Dia Dank to his head as the dragon attempted to rip his face off. The creature repaired all wounds and stepped forward, Senna falling backwards.
"Senna!" Bakura cried. A tentacle sprouted from the ground, Thoth backing into the wall in horror.
"GEMINI ELVES A-" Bakura was slammed into the ground by one of the tentacles, back not having time to be burnt before he sliced it in half.
"SILENT MAGICIAN, ATTACK," Thoth ordered.
"Last day of Witch," the creature said. Senna gasped as shackles appeared on her feet and wrists, Bakura's Elves and Thoth much the same. The Silent magician stopped and stared at its master in doubt.
"MYSTICAL SPACE TYPHOON!" The shackles broke, the Silent Magician twirling its staff in anticipation.
"You're magic is very powerful…but not powerful enough. Dream Sprite." A small fairy with green skin and dark red hair appeared, golden wings fluttering. Bakura watched as it blew pink dust into the air over himself and Thoth, the pair stepping back and tripping over themselves. "Say goodbye you two."
Their heads swam as the scene before them began to blur, colours running. The creature stepped forward and held his blade inches from Senna's face. "I will die unafraid of you," Senna growled with more courage than she possessed.
"Your friend Haktep would have told you about my sword if he was here, but I presume you'll have to find out about it yourself." The blade caught the faint light that came from unknown sources, Senna's amber eyes reflected in the tool of death. She looked over to Ari who lay limp on the ground, blood pooling around him. She started to cry again as she gazed at her favourite red head.
It was the last time she would ever see him.
The blade did its job instantly, Senna's body still on the ground. "Senna," Ari called weakly, the poison injected into his body by the dragon already taking effect. She did not respond.
"I win again…..death is my prize," the creature said. A knife stuck in its forehead, blood dripping down its 'royal' face.
"Too bad I'm a sore loser," Bakura growled, standing curved over with his knees slightly bent. Thoth raised his Dia Dank, the light barely there as he stood.
"Sanctuary Sphere," Thoth said. Three yellow bubbles appeared around Senna, Fasen and Ari, lifting them gently into the air. They shimmered as they floated lazily into the night, Thoth's head hung low as if seeing them go would cause pain. Thoth mumbled to his Silent magician, the Spell-caster stationary until Thoth stepped forward and actually pushed the creature he had summoned. The Silent magician touched Thoth's head before drifting off after the orbs.
"You miserable brats," the creature hissed, wrenching the knife from his head. "I will kill them all." It pointed a finger at Thoth. "I'll kill them and both of you! YOU HEAR ME? YOU WEAKLING!"
Thoth's eye twitched. "Is Thoth truly weak?" Thoth questioned darkly. "CURSE OF THE MAGICIAN!" The ground shook slightly, a small 'x' appearing in mid air. The 'x' multiplied, the symbols shooting off in different directions with one landing on Bakura's head and another landing on the creature. "As long as Thoth is exempt, the curse remains in full effect. If you kill anyone marked with an 'x' you will also die."
"When did you learn so much powerful magic?" the creature questioned.
"When Thoth was weak." The creature was amused, snapping its fingers before something exploded and threw Bakura and Thoth down the street.
"THOTH!" Bakura called, feeling his way through the blue smoke that filled the streets. "THOTH!" The walked into something and looked around.
"Sorry Bakura," Thoth apologised. 'What do we do?"
Footsteps and screeches grew louder, Bakura grabbing Thoth's arm and rounding the corner. "We need to find a high place," Bakura panted. "So we can see our surroundings…"
"Will it even matter, with this smoke everywhere nothing can be seen…." Bakura ignored Thoth and continued pulling him through the thick gas, breathing heavily through his mask.
"Ladder!" Bakura said, pointing to the wooden object propped against an alley wall. Thoth nodded.
"Go on Bakura."
Bakura stared into the shadows of Thoth's hood before pulling it back. Thoth blinked rapidly. "No, you go first."
"But Th-"
"I want you to promise me something." Thoth nodded slowly.
"Before there was Thoth, there was another person…" Bakura looked at the ground awkwardly. "I want you to go back to being that person. I want you to promise me that even though we'll all call you Thoth, you'll change."
"That is a hard promise for Thoth to make, Kura. But Thoth guesses Thoth could give you your wish since your birthday is coming." Bakura smiled. He had nearly forgotten his own birthday and now didn't know how far away it was since he didn't know the day. He pulled Thoth's hood back up. "Hurry up and climb the ladder."
Thoth nodded and climbed the first few bars, Bakura following close behind. He looked over his shoulder, something shining from the smoke. The scythe moved closer towards them, Bakura slapping Thoth's leg. "What?"
"HURRY UP!" Thoth asked no questions, climbing faster and faster, the journey feeling endless. The scythe hacked the bottom of the ladder, Thoth slipping down a step. "HURRY!" The scythe hit again, the tall ladder swaying slightly before falling backwards against another wall. "THOTH?" Bakura called, hanging from a wooden bar that threatened to snap.
"Right here!" Thoth answered from Bakura's left.
"Good. Now j-" The wooden bar snapped in half, Bakura hitting the ground on his back. He coughed painfully, attempting to push the smoke aside. Something dark was ahead of him, drifting there as if waiting for him to come.
"Bakura?" Thoth whispered, landing on the ground.
Bakura looked around frantically, taking a few steps forward and calling his friend's name. He felt through the dark gas, stopping when he saw the glowing eyes before him. "THOTH!" Bakura screamed.
Thoth turned quickly in the direction Bakura's voice had come from. "BAKURA!" Thoth replied. The pair ran blindly to the sound of each others voices, Thoth tripping over a piece of wood and hitting the dust face first.
"Thoth?" Bakura whispered as breaths became audible. He turned slowly, looking back and forth for any signs of life. He sighed heavily, his breath coming out as a white puff and the hair on his neck standing up as the air grew cold. He tried to step back, his legs attached to the ground by a thin silver wire. He scratched at it viciously in vain, attempting to wrench himself free.
It became clear even through the smoke; the Reaper. It swung instantly, the bandit letting out a scream of pain as the scythe came down on his face, cutting a slightly curved line under his right eye. Bakura looked to his arm, his Dia Dank dim and glowing red. He tried to summon, he tried to shout, he tried to move…but he could not. His eyes grew blank as he stared at it, a small voice in the back of his head whispering sweetly to him. 'Blood of the faithful…..blood of the willing….the double-sided key…Bakura….'
The curved blade glinted wickedly, the white haired thief mesmerized by it. "BAKURA!" Thoth screamed shrilly. Bakura's eyes shot open, the blade coming towards him.
He felt himself falling forwards.
He knew the blade had hit a target.
He saw the blade come back, blood shining on its tip.
He broke inside.
We must part now,
My life goes on,
But my heart won't give you up.
His body was ridged as he lay on the ground, horrified to look behind him. The pain on his face was numbed by the hate boiling within him. He shook his head, his Dia Dank glowing dangerously before a white light shot from it, and went under the hood of the Reaper. The creature of darkness shrieked and let out a hollow gasp before its cloak floated to the ground.
He stood up with his hand over his eye, forcing himself to turn around.
"N-No….." Bakura begged, watching in horror as Thoth removed his bloody hands from the rip in his abdomen. Thoth looked at his hands with wide eyes, then to the quickly draining light of his Dia Dank. Thoth's face had given up on the brief look of fear, shifting to the best smile he could muster as his mask slipped to the side.
"Looks like Nayami won't get a chance to come back," Thoth said jokingly. "She is very, very sorry to break a promise Kura." Thoth dropped to the ground, knees hitting the earth hard as the youngest thief held their stomach. "Thoth did not plan this…..she is very...sorry."
Bakura shook his head and rushed over to his best friend as he fell face forward on the floor. Bakura gently rolled the limp figure over, removing Thoth's hand from the opening in his flesh. His tunic was already soaked, the slash deep and long. Bakura shook his head in disbelief, applying pressure to his friend's stomach in false hope. "Don't do this to me….." Bakura whispered as Thoth's eyelids flickered. "I can't function without you, Nay. Don't give up on me."
Ere I walk away, Let me here you say, I meant as much to you. Mahado was snapped back to reality as he sat in his room. One bead that Thoth had enchanted that had sat on his table cracked down the centre and fell apart. The magician stood up and walked to it, picking up the pieces in his hand. He dropped them almost instantly as he noticed what they left on his hands; blood. (AN: If you haven't realised, Thoth is a she and will now be referred to as a she) … Bakura begged Thoth to stop bleeding but it was a fool's plea. "You promised you wouldn't die!" Bakura shouted. "YOU PROMISED!" Thoth's eyebrows were arched, but the youngest of the pair continued to smile. "Please forgive Thoth," Thoth asked softly. Bakura shook his head angrily. "STOP SAYING SORRY! DON'T ASK ME TO FORGIVE YOU!" Bakura screamed. He held Thoth's wrist and put her blood bathed hand on his cheek. "Think about it like this Kura…..It could be worse," Thoth whispered. "We could all be naked." Bakura couldn't help but smile, his expression changing for the worst as a line of blood trickled past Thoth's lips and rolled down her cheek. The lavender eyed one hastily wiped it away and squeezed his eyes shut, imagining all the pain away. He opened his eyes and brushed Thoth's hood back. A tear fell from Bakura's eyes onto Thoth's cheek, the pair sharing a single tear. "Thoth is sorry for making you…cry," Thoth breathed. "Thoth is sorry for leaving…." "SHUT UP YOU LIAR! YOU PROMISED YOU WOULDN'T LET THIS HAPPEN! YOU PROMISED YOU WOULDN'T DIE! YOU PROMISED!" Bakura bent over Thoth and put his arms around her shoulders, with his head on her shoulder. He did something that he classed as an activity for the weak; he cried. He stopped when Thoth began to sing quietly. "Happy birthday to you…happy birthday….to you. Happy Birthday dear Kura…Happy…birthday to you…." Thoth could feel Thoth's blood wetting is own clothes as they touched and he shrivelled inside. "You won't die Thoth….you're my best friend." "Bakura?" Bakura nodded. "Before I go, I must ask a favour." "yes…." "First, please stop crying…it's hurting Thoth. And second…..when you grow up, when you find the perfect girl and get married and become the Thief King…remember Thoth…." Bakura let another two tears fall down his face, eyes growing wide. "I can't find the perfect girl…..I've already got you." Thoth gave a feeble laugh but said nothing more. "Thoth?" Bakura pulled back and looked at Thoth's even paler face, green eyes glazed over. "You'll always be my best friend, Kura….I pinkie swear…." Thoth held up her hand and locked fingers with Bakura. "Pinkie swear." So gently, You touched my heart, I will be forever Yours… Thoth opened his back and pulled out something wrapped in brown cloth. "This is yours…..Thoth is giving it to you….." Thoth said between ragged breaths. She put her hand over Bakura's eye, the slash closing slightly. "These are the last gifts Thoth can give…." Bakura put his mask in Thoth's hand. "Stop talking like that…Ari's going to be so angry at you for talking like this….." Thoth's lip quivered and her eyes shined with tears. "When you see the others….tell them that Rhea gets my chore duties…ok?" "You-You'll be there to do your own chores Thoth." Thoth pulled her mask and handed it to Bakura. "Haktep said we were too young to know….but…" Thoth closed her eyes, a tear rolling down each side of her face. "Thoth loves you Bakura." Bakura's face would have burned if those words had not held another meaning; they meant the end was truly near. The air felt colder and more constricting than it had in his whole life, his lungs more unwilling to function than ever before. He held the bundle in his hands that were still slicked with Thoth's blood. He bent forward and kissed Thoth on the lips, pulling back slowly and watching his friend smile. "Good bye, Kura…." Thoth breathed. Bakura's brow creased in confusion, a rectangle on Thoth's Dia Dank lighting up. Thoth's smile did not waver for a second as two words were whispered. "Crimson Wings." The light on the Dia Dank disappeared completely, Bakura's pupils dilating as Thoth's head fell to the side. He couldn't breathe…he couldn't think….. His vision was blurred with tears as a single crimson feather drifted onto Thoth's chest, another falling onto his lap. He picked it up and felt it; it was wet with blood. His back tingled, two massive, feathery wings appearing on his back. They flapped without his consent, more red feathers floating to the dirt as he was slowly lifted upwards. He flailed angrily, screaming as he was pulled towards the sky. "THOTH I LOVE YOU! THOTH! THOTH!" The wings pulled him away, monsters glowing and catching fire as he streaked past them through the night. He screamed until he could scream no more, his head pounding and body numb. His eyes slipped closed but the voice still whispered… Come what may, I won't age a day, I'll wait for you, Always… Bakura lay on the ground on his back. The morning was still purple and the air was cold and crisp. His possessions lay scattered around him, the contents of his bag spread about in the patches of grass and sand. The ground was covered in countless dark red feathers that moved from side to side at the wind's command. He wheezed as he rolled over and sat back on his knees, reaching for his bag with a trembling hand. He grabbed the bottom, the two items left in the bag falling to the ground. He fell backwards when he saw them; Thoth's stuffed rabbit dotted with blood, and the Book of Buried Pearls. It popped open, silver covers shining eerily as the wind howled, blowing up a few grains of sand. He dragged himself towards it for unknown reasons, struggling to find something even slightly familiar in his broken world. He put the book in his lap when he noticed a brown bundle beside him. The lone thief picked it up and ran his sore, bloody fingers over the cloth, untying the loose knot that held it closed. It held another cloth wrapped bundle and a small square of papyrus. He picked it up and ran his fingers over the neat symbols. ' Kura, Thoth thought very hard about this and has decided to give you the gift of Crimson, Thoth's chosen colour. Thoth knows how much you like it so he hopes you will enjoy it…I made you another gift that Sen said was very good….The second gift is a bit big and long because Thoth had to use Fasen and Ari to make models. Thoth wishes you a happy birthday Kura and was thinking, perhaps Nayami might make an appearance. MAYBE. Well yeah….Happy Birthday Kura. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORD GRUMPY!YOU'RE OLD ENOUGH TO GET SOME 'CANDY'! ...SENNA. Happy Birthday Honey. You and Obe are practically the only family I have, so you'd better live a while….Shila. You're pretty fun, even though we haven't known each other for a long time. Have a good B-day; Oberon… HaPpY BiRtHdAy BaKuRa...I'M ALWAYS GOING TO BE SMARTER, HaKtEp and Rhea….whatever. With age comes dementia…just look at Haktep and Shefnu. Happy Birthday Bakura; Kana. Happy Birthday Bakura, Live long and prosper, GET BUSY! NAYAMI MIGHT COME BY! OH LA LA… SHEFNU. You're getting old…it's been a while, THOTH HAS A SECRET… Happy Birthday Short Man Kura; Ari. You're a teenager….what's so special about that…hmm…have fun Short Man Kura; FASEN. Happy Birthday Bakura….Saiori would be so proud of you….Well you're teenage Short Man Kura now; Sen. Want a snake Bakura? Do I have to give a gift? What's so good about being old, huh?...Asami. Happy Birthday Bakura! I'll get you a gift…not like you matter…you still suck….umm…Renora. If only you were older, Bakura. Oh well. Happy Birthday. Rayeel. Oh RA! Did you see Rayeel's comment? SCARY!; Ari, Shefnu, Shila, Rhea, Senna and Asami.' He slowly let his fingers travel over the last few words. 'This is only from Thoth….Thoth gets no privacy or respect…Happy Birthday Kura, Best Friends Forever, ….Love Thoth' He opened the second bundle, and carefully unfolded the crimson cloak with double white lines around the wide sleeves and hem. It had been lined with an almost golden cloth that was layered and folded over to create a sort of collar. His hands shook violently as he held in to his face and inhaled its scent. He held it to his chest and let a tear fall upon it. He touched his face and felt the mark the Reaper had left him with, self pity and hate welling inside of him. He wanted to die as he stared at his hands and at what was left of his former life. The book of Buried Pearls glinted in the faint light of the early morning, Bakura opening the unlocked golden covers and placing his hands on the silver cover. 'Blood of the ever faithful….blood of the true love…blood of your own, Thief King…..' Bakura shook his head doubtfully, a feather falling from his hair onto the cover. He touched the feather and looked at his finger tips; the feather was still wet with Thoth's blood. He tried to pick the feather up with his sore fingers, smearing blood across the cover. The silver cover grew warmer and glowed ominously, the snakes on the cover slithering around the key hole. 'Blood of your own…..' His thoughts were suddenly not his own as he scratched frantically at a wound on his left arm, abandoning it when he saw that it had healed too extensively. He looked down and pulled a small knife from his boot, bringing the blade to his face and cutting across his existing injury. Blood dripped onto the cover, Bakura putting the blade to his lips and licking the blood from it. He ignored the pain and cut his face once again, blood dripping down his face and welling in the grooves of the cover. The light grew stronger, energy flowing from the covers into Bakura's hands. His hair was blown upwards, blood soaking into the silver before the cover quivered and a new creature formed upon it. 'The trade is of soul, blood is the key, offer up both and gain the impenetrable lee….the price will be paid, the Gods shall bow down….make the trade and take your crown. Choose your path, the dark offers far more, revenge, power and destruction wait behind this door…The light pleads in vain, it offers not a thing….make your choice….take sides, Great Thief King.' The snakes slithered side by side, crossing over the new creature that had appeared on the silver. Their mouths opened to reveal red fangs, their eyes opening and shining white. The silver cover popped open, falling downwards with a thud to reveal blood dotted, browning papyrus. The pages turned rapidly, stopping upon the centre pages. The right page was white, the left was black, both pages sporting a single grey circle in the centre. His finger hovered above the centre, eyelids heavy and thoughts jumbled. 'The dark offers more ….power….' "Power," Bakura whispered, the words passing his lips as a feeble hiss. 'You will hold the power to make him suffer…..make the Pharaoh suffer for what he has done to your family….not once but twice…he let this happen. He has taken your life….you must take his…..' "His life…." 'For them you must become the most powerful…you must defy the Gods…..The darkness shall destroy all weakness…Power shall have a new meaning once you arise…." Bakura looked at the mirroring pages, the shine in his eyes suddenly lost to the breeze. His hair whipped around him as he glanced at the blood speckled rabbit. His fist tightened as the wind howled as if sending a warning or making an unheard plea. He placed his palm on the black page, the breath in his body instantly sucked out. The sheet glowed angrily before a phantasmal fist shot from it and punched through Bakura's chest. He snatched a hard breath, eyes rolling back as the fist pulled through his chest and took a pale orb from him. Bakura wheezed as the orb hovered above the page, slowly darkening from a soft lavender to a pitch black. His lacklustre eyes become entirely blank, a line of blood coming from the corner of his mouth. The orb gradually lightened until it became a dark lavender and slammed into Bakura's shaking body. The white page ripped down the centre and caught fire, the entire book burning before him. The flames towered above him, suddenly spiralling upwards before engulfing him. The morning was quiet as the flames were seemingly pushed back and smothered, Bakura standing slowly with his cloak in hand. He pushed his arms into the sleeves, the cloak dragging on the ground. The wind blew it backwards along with his hair, the young one cast in the shadow of his Ka. He looked over his shoulder, roughly wiping blood off his face as he stared at the dangerous creature behind him. Bakura looked ahead of him, eyes blank, dark lavender and dangerously cold. 'The true holder of power is born; the thief King….Power has gained a new meaning….Bakura….Diabound….' 'Bakura' had gained one new meaning, but many more would follow….'The dark One' being just one more, along with 'evil'. Bakura took a step forward and bent to pick up the rabbit that lay alone on the ground. He held it to his face, the menacing tail of his Ka snaking around him. He looked up at the horizon and a devilish smirk crept onto his bruised face. "Come Diabound…..their end begins today….." … Peace Out…..