Crossing The King of Thieves

Disclaimer: Yeah, I know. We get the picture. I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! or it's characters at all! Sorry, but if you want to find the guy, he's in Japan.

A/N: For those who can't figure it out, Kyra is actually seven years old. She just has a lot of smarts to her to sound rather adult like in ways.

--------------------------------------- Cha Chapter 3: Secrets Meant To Be Hidden

"And then, the prince gathered his Royal Court around him and threw a big party," Jou said telling me one wild story that afternoon during his time off. I giggled bouncing up and down on his knee. It's been a week since I've been taken in the palace and Atemu gave his permission for Jou and Seth to adopt me as their own daughter. "More, Father, more!" I shouted happily. "Kyra, you have studies and I'm tired," he said pouting suddenly while pretending to fall back on his bed and pretended to snore. I laughed at the sight and sat on his stomach. "Father, I know you're not asleep," I said giggling. He opened one eye and chuckled. "Nothing gets past you," he said smiling as he sat up slightly. He stroked my hair gently and touched my cheek. "But I need some rest," he said seriously. "Go find Papa and tell him, ok?" I nodded as he kissed my forehead and I ran off.

I walked down the hallway to find one of the High Priests approach me. It was Shadi. I bowed and he nodded. "You are now my servant," he said seriously. "You will do as I say from now own or else you will be punished. Come with me." "But Father wanted me to tell Papa something," I protested. He sighed and nodded. "Be quick about it and return to my chambers right away," he said sternly. "Yes, Master Shadi," I said and ran off. I frowned when I noticed a door cracked and noises behind it. I walked to it and poked my head in to see Papa tied to the bed naked and covered with sweat, blood, and other matters. I was in shock. "Papa!" I cried and ran to him. He tilted his head painfully in my direction. "I didn't mean for you to see this, love," he whispered. "Who did this to you?" I asked. He sighed. "Atemu said I needed to be punished," he whispered. "He has done this since before you came. It was supposed to be between me and him, but now you know." "Should I get Father?" I asked in concern. He shook his head when a door began to open. "Hide yourself," he said and I did so. Atemu returned chuckling. "Perhaps this will teach you for betraying me," he said and I could see he held a whip in his hand. I covered my eyes hearing the lashes.

Later that afternoon, I stood in Shadi's quarters working when I glanced at him and sighed. "Master, may I ask you a question?" I asked suddenly. He nodded as he worked on his scrolls. "Papa...I saw what the pharaoh did to him," I said. He grunted suddenly. "That's none of your concern, child," he said sharply. "Don't do that again or tell no one, understand?" I nodded. "Yes sir," I whispered. But still, the image I saw of Papa lying there helpless and being brutally beaten by Atemu...it was something I couldn't forget.

It was like Seth was his personal slave to his anger.

"Kyra, you're slacking," Shadi said and I glanced up to find his back to me. "Finish your work now." I nodded and continued the task before me...cleaning. The work was exhausting and I collasped on the floor within two hours panting hard. I had to scrub the entire floor and looked up to see I was hardly finished. I sighed heavily and studied the scrubbrush in my hand. I had to rest...even for a moment. My eyes began to close when I felt a sharp pain strike my back. "Stop being so lazy and work!" Shadi shouted angrily. He raised his whip to strike again and I shakily lifted myself up and began the chore again in my weakened condition.

I wasn't allowed dinner either.

It was late at night before Shadi released me. I limped to my bedroom and collasped on the bed. I coughed and turned on my side feeling my stomach hurt from no food. I sighed feeling rather sick. Father walked in to check on me and sat down on the bed beside me. "Shadi is a tough man to deal with," he said sing ing my hair. "Why did they pick him?" I asked my voice barely a whisper. He walked to the water barrel and laddled some before bringing it to my lips. The cool liquid slid down my throat and I sighed. "You're lucky you go to him only twice in the seven moons," he said seriously. "Otherwise, you would die from such madness at times." He removed some bread from inside his shirt and broke it feeding me piece by piece until my hunger was vanquished. "Is Papa ok?" I asked suddenly. "He's asleep right now," he said. "Why do you ask? Did something happen?"

It was then I realized Father didn't know what happened to Papa.

I shook my head slowly. "He was tired when I went to see him," I lied. He chuckled. "His work is harder than mine at times," he said. "I'm a guard, not a High Priest. And right now, you need to go to bed." He tucked me in and kissed my forehead before blowing out the candle by my bed. "Don't hesitate to come if you need us," he said and left the room.

I turned over as the horrible images returned. I shivered as I thought of them before falling asleep.

The next morning, I walked to the throneroom to see Papa and Atemu talking of matters and they turned to see me standing there. "Good morning, my pharaoh," I said bowing. Atemu nodded his greeting and stood up. "Come, Kyra," he said. "We have matters to discuss alone." Papa looked worried suddenly, but a stern glance from Atemu meant don't cross the line. I followed the pharaoh to his chambers and he shut the door. "You saw what happened to Seth yesterday, didn't you?" he asked sternly. "I came to deliver a message to Papa," I said seriously. He frowned and suddenly slapped me in the jaw hard. I hit the wall and fell to the ground feeling rather dazed from the blow. "If you utter a word of this to anyone, I'll kill you," he said sternly and stormed off.

Tears slid down my cheeks as I buried my head in my knees and began to cry. Papa walked in the room and gathered me in his arms holding me close. "Kyra, after we stop Bakura, we must put an end to Atemu's reign," he whispered in my ear. "I spoke to Jou and he has agreed to help. Will you help us in the fight?" I looked at Papa and nodded. He saw the bruise on my cheek and sighed kissing my forehead. Then he lifted me in his arms and carried me to his bedroom holding me close as he rocked me in his arms.

Revolt against the pharaoh...the man hurts Papa constantly, hurts me, and yet the kingdom loves him.

How can I get myself out of this one?

I'm so confused.
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To Be Contined...
Next Chapter: Bakura seeks revenge and meets Malik. Kyra learns the dangers of her task now that her enemies have numbered.