Touch The Stars

Touch the Stars

Hato chiisai

Disclaimer: No own.

YAOI WARNING

Pharaoh- Marik- telekinetic

Emperor- Bakura- telepath

King- Yami- teleporter

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Chapter 9

………………………………….

Ryou stared at Princess Ishizu, Marik and Malik’s older sister.

“Can I ask you something?” Ryou blurted, suddenly.

“Yes?” Ishizu asked, sitting down in a chair next to Ryou’s Nest and levitating a glass of water to her hand.

“If you are older than Pharaoh Marik, why aren’t you the ruler of the Egyptonians?” Ryou asked, and Ishizu smiled.

“Well, my people, and especially my father are…… sexist. As soon as my brother was born, he was named our father’s heir, because he was male.”

“Really?” Ryou asked. “For give me, but that seems so…. Primitive….” Ishizu laughed and smiled at Ryou.

“Yes, I suppose it is. How is the ruler chosen in your culture?”

“Well, being the oldest helps…” Ryou said, thinking. “But it’s all about capability. I remember listening in on my parents conversation with Bakura. Dad wanted Bakura to become Emperor because he had power, and authority, and was very firm and disciplined. Mom wanted me to become Emperor. Because, as she said, while Bakura is intelligent, I possess wisdom that he cannot grasp. And that I would be merciful. But dad thought that I would be too merciful, whereas Bakura would be firm, but just. That and I really didn’t want to be Emperor. Bakura is far more suited.”

“I see.” Ishizu asked. “Your father took over for his sister, did he not?”

“Yes… not long before Bakura was born, Aunt Amane died, and she had been Emperess,” Ryou said. (AN: using Amane cuz I couldn’t think of anything else) “So dad became Emperor. Amane was made Emperess because she was oldest, and Grampakura thought that she was much more mature at the time.”

“Grampakura?"

"That's what we called him. Short for 'Grampa Bakura'."

"Grampa Bakura. Your brother was named after your grandfather.”

“Yes. I was named after Dad.” Ryou said with a nod.

“I see.” Ishizu said, nodding. “Well, anyway, we must continue this conversation later, Prince.” And she stood, bowing. “I have a council meeting I must attend. And I’ll let you guess what the main topic will be.” She turned and walked out, Ryou staring after her.

She made her way through the corridors, finally arriving at the council chamber where Marik and Malik and the rest of the council waited. The council bowed respectfully, welcoming the princess home, and she sat on Marik’s left, Malik sitting on the Pharaoh’s right. Ishizu smiled, knowing full well that this was where Marik felt most at home; between his beloved big sister and precious little brother, both of whom he loved more than life itself.

“Alright, this meeting is now ins session. What’s on everyone’s mind?” Marik, asked, and there was an immediate chorus of “The Assyrian!!”

“I could have told you that.” Malik chided, and Marik shushed him, playfully.

“Okay, what about him?” Marik asked.

“KILL HIM!!” Several men shouted, including Commander Anak.

“Why?” Marik asked, and Malik watched a goblet slide across the table and into his brother’s hands.

“That would be very unwise…” Ishizu said, quietly, as Marik sipped from the goblet. “His capture will already bring trouble. As some of you know, the Assyrians have joined forces with the Sumerians and the Hittites. Both King Yami and Czar Seto have younger brothers, so they feel for Emperor Bakrua, and they will aid him in getting Prince Ryou back, and will back up Bakura with a vengeance should the Prince die.” Marik and Malik both nodded their agreement with their sister’s words.

“As powerful as we are, if they united to attack Egyptonia directly, we would not stand a chance.” Malik said.

“And he’s just a kid. He’s younger than Malik, for crying out loud!” Marik said.

“The boy is not a warrior.” Rishido added. “He’s a gentle creature and poses no threat. No threat whatsoever.”

“He’s our enemy, and should be destroyed, immediately.” Anak called, and Marik smirked.

“Well of course, commander, if you truly feel THAT threatened by a frightened little boy.” Marik taunted, and the man glared at his ruler, as Malik snickered and Ishizu smiled slightly.

“Come on. Like Marik said, he’s just a scared kid.” Malik said. “For crying out loud, Marik just walks into the room and the kid is ready to cry.”

“He cried because YOU slapped him!!” Marik said.

“DID NOT!! He cried because you scared him!!” Malik protested.

“No he didn’t!”

“Yes, he started crying when you put him in the chair and yelled at him!”

“Oh, and you didn’t yell at him and scare him?!”

“It was YOU who made him cry! He had stopped when I hit him!”

“Yeah, but then he hid in his Nest and started crying again.” Marik snapped.

“Oh yeah….” Malik said, thoughtfully. “But YOU made him cry first.”

“I didn’t mean to!”

“Can we save the family arguments for later?” An elderly woman asked, frowning at the young royal brothers.

“Sorry, Grandma.” Marik and Malik chorused. The old woman wasn’t really their grandmother, but was their nurse when they were young, and when Marik became Pharaoh, he brought the wise woman into the council. But obviously, he and his brother and sister still called her ‘grandma’.

“Grandma, what do you think of the Prince?” Ishizu asked.

“I have not met him.” The old woman said with a smile. “It may be a good idea to present him to the council. After all, he is a diplomat, is he not? The Ambassador of the Assyrian People?” Marik blinked, and looked around as the council loudly agreed.

“I don’t know….” Marik said, thoughtfully, and the council loudly demanded to know why. “I am thinking of the Prince’s safety.” Marik snapped. “You all are calling for his blood. Very well. I shall bring the Assyrian Prince before you. However, should any harm befall him, any whatsoever….” Marik stood and glared around angrily. “I shall send the one responsible to Emperor Bakura with a bow around their neck and give my regrets for his brother, and my permission to do what he wants with the culprit. And as you all know, it is the Prince that keeps the Emperor’s violent and sadistic side in check.” He glared around, then swept from the room. Ishizu smiled at Malik, letting the youngest of the royal siblings know that she approved.

…………………………

Ryou looked up as the door opened, and Marik strode in, eyes fixed on him.

“Come here, quick!” Marik said and grabbed Ryou, dragging him over to the closet. Marik dug through the closet and Ryou squeaked when the Pharaoh’s telekinesis whipped the shirt off and jerked the pants down, leaving the Assyrian exposed.

“I’m not going to touch you, calm down.” Marik said, and let out an ‘A-Hah!’ when he found what he was looking for. He pulled out, to Ryou’s amazment, the garments that the Assyrian Prince was wearing at the time of his capture. He tossed them to Ryou.

“Dress. Quickly.” Marik said, and turned to run over to his computer. He keyed in the password once Ryou had his head in his shirt, and keyed in a few commands. He deactivated Ryou’s collar, then turned to watch Ryou tucking his shirt in and pulling on his boots. Marik rushed over and fixed the silver cloak around Ryou’s shoulders with his powers while he placed Chain Energy generators on the boy’s wrists. Ryou blinked, and winced when they activated.

“Hurry!” Marik said, and dragged Ryou from the room at a run. The Prince dashed along behind him, completely confused. Finally, they stopped at a pair of large doors and Marik turned to face him, fluffing his hair a bit, and licking his thumb before rubbing at a spot on Ryou’s cheek.

“HEY—“

“Shh!!! Behave like the Diplomat you are.” Marik said, and turned to the doors, flinging them open. Ryou’s eyes widened as he stared into the council chamber, and shuffled to the side to hide behind Marik at all of the glares he was receiving. Marik strode into the room, and Ryou followed, hiding in the Pharaoh’s shadow. At least until the Pharaoh stepped aside.

“May I present,” Marik declared regally. “Prince Ryou of the Assyrian Empire?” After a tense moment, Ishizu slowly stood and bowed to Ryou, and Malik quickly followed her example.

“Welcome, your highness.” Ishizu said softly, her eyes telling Ryou to go along. Ryou gulped and fell into his training, bowing politely.

“Princess.” He said, and looked at Malik, bowing to him as well. “Prince.” Marik breathed a silent sigh of relief. So far, so good. He cleared his throat and ushered Ryou around the table. Ishizu rose and moved over a seat so that Ryou was seated between Marik and the Princess. He waited for Ishizu to sit before he did. He kept his eyes lowered, refusing to look at the council who was glaring at him with an obvious lust to see his blood spilled.

“Alright, here he is.” Marik said, leaning back and folding his arms behind his head and propping his feet up on the table. “So now what?”

“Kill him!!” Someone shouted, and Marik quirked an eyebrow while Ryou lowered his eyes, looking very scared.

“Oh, yes, by all means, kill the little terror.” Marik drawled. “I mean, look at him! He’s going to sprout fangs and eat my brains any minute!!!”

~Please, you’re not helping.~

“GAAH!!” Marik screamed, and toppled over in his chair, falling back and rolling. Everyone jumped up and Ryou whirled, staring down at Marik. Malik, Isizu and Rishido leapt up to help Marik to his feet. Ryou yelped when he felt Anak’s rough hands jerk him up and put him in a choke hold. Marik was helped to his feet and he irritably waved off all of the councilmembers.

“SHUT UP!!!” He finally roared over the ruckus. “I’m not hurt. Everyone sit. Let him go.” He snapped, and Anak let him go. The Prince squeaked and ran to Marik, hiding behind him in fear. “You scared him!!” Marik cried, throwing his arms up int the air. Then, he blinked and looked at Ryou, placing a hand on his shoulder and easing the boy back into his seat. Everyone settled.

“Did you say that?” Marik asked, looking at Ryou.

“Say what?” Malik chirped.

“Do that again.” Marik gasped. Ryou gulped.

~Do what? This?~ He thought to Marik and the Pharaoh's eyes widened, before he let out an amazed laugh.

“That is so weird!!!” He gasped, and looked around the table. “Sorry about that. I forgot that our guest is Assyrian. And Assyrians are telepathic! I thought I was going insane!!”

“You were hearing voices?” Malik snickered, and Marik grinned.

“Well, HIS voice.” He said, and grinned at Ryou, who looked unamused. “Do it again!”

~Why?~

“That is so cool!!!” Marik giggled, and the council rolled their eyes. “Hey, can you hear my thoughts?”

“Your surface thoughts.” Ryou said, softly. “If I listen.”

“He can read minds?!” A woman shrieked.

“So you can walk down the hall and hear what everyone is thinking?” Malik asked, and Ryou shook his head.

“I can only focus on one mind at a time. And I have to listen. Otherwise, I will not hear unless a thought is directed straight at me.”

Marik closed his eyes and looked slightly constipated for a moment.

“Did you get that?” He asked, opening his eyes, and Ryou blinked.

“Forgive me sir, but you are not telepathic. I must be listening for you if I am to hear.” Ryou said, and Marik closed his eyes again. Ryou smiled slightly, and listened.

~… ear me? Hey, you there? Hello? Marco. MARCO!!!~

“Polo?” Ryou offered, and Marik leaned back, laughing.

“He heard me!! He heard me!!! That is so cool!!!” Malik snickered at his brother, and Ishizu covered her mouth to hide her smile.

"So he's telepathic. So what?" Anak said.

"I am getting really sick of your attitude." Marik snapped, glaring at him. "If I hear one more word out of you, I'm dismissing you from this council! All of you hear me; The Assyrian Prince is not to be harmed. He is under my protection. Anyone who harms him, as I said, will be sent to his brother with my apologies. Is this understood?!" The council all muttered affirmitives. "Now then. Prince Ryou..." Ryou blinked. "Come with me." Ryou slowly stood and followed Marik from the room.

"Where are we going?" Ryou asked. Marik suddenly turned and pressed his hand against Ryou's forehead. He frowned.

"You still have a bit of a fever." He said to himself.

"...."

"I should get you back to bed."

"I'm thirsty..." Ryou said, softly. "I think I'm getting dehydrated."

"I gave you a whole jug of water!!" Marik cried, throwing his hands up into the air.

"The Prince comes from a wet planet." A voice said, and the pair turned to look at Malik and Ishizu. Ishizu smiled. "Prince Ryou needs more water than we do."

"Why?" Marik asked, developing a new curiosity towards the Assyrians.

"Their home planet is forested. Trees cover it all. It is filled with lakes and rivers and rains constantly."

"How constantly?" Marik asked, looking at Ryou.

"Every day." Ryou said, softly.

"Don't you ever see the sun?" Malik asked.

"Sometimes. About five days out of the year." Ryou said.

"How long are your days?" Marik asked.

"Twenty hours." Ryou said.

"How long are your years?"

"Four hundred thirty eight days." Ryou said. Marik nodded. Egyptonians days were thirty two hours and the years were two hundred seventy four days. Marik snorted mentally. No wonder the Prince slept so often. Ishizu nodded and continued.

"Anyway, we come from a dry planet, so we have evolved to not need much water. He comes from a place where his people have evolved to need a lot of water."

"Oh." Marik and Malik said in unison. Malik grinned.

"Maybe we should take him for a swim." He said, and Ryou blinked. "Wanna go to the pool?" Marik smiled when he saw Ryou's eyes light up.

"I think he does." He chuckled. "Come on. You should soak for a while." Ryou nodded, smiling slightly, and followed them down the hall. After a while, they entered the courtyard of the palace. It was an enormous garden with tropical flowers growing everywhere, filling the place with a thick perfume. And on the north end was a waterfall cascading into a large pool. Ryou watched and blushed as Malik and Marik stripped, and plunged into the water with loud battle cries, and the pair were soon wrestling playfully. Ryou watched them.

"Come on in!" Marik called. Ryou gulped, and shook his head. Marik and Malik stopped and watched the prince. A bead of sweat trickled down his face, and he looked at the water, longingly. Ishizu smiled and excused herself. "Okay, the girl is gone. You can come in now!" Ryou still shook his head.

"I, I can't!" Ryou whined.

"Why not?" Malik asked.

"The, the suns...." Ryou said, softly. Malik blinked.

"Ohhhh..... Marik, he never sees the sun at home, right?"

"Ya?"

"Marik he'll fry out here!! He'll get a really bad burn!"

"Oh, wow... You're right...." Marik breahted. "Okay, I'll close the sun roof."

"Sun roof?" Ryou asked, and squeaked as Marik climbed out of the water. The boy averted his eyes as the naked Pharaoh strode over to a large boudler. Ryou watched as he flipped up a panel, reavealing the boulder to be false. He keyed in a command, and Ryou watched as two large panels whirred to life and slid over the courtyard, covering it. When they met in the middle, Ryou saw that all along the edges were large holes that let colums of sunlight into the courtyard, illuminating it, but keeping the pool and the area around it in the shade.

"Will you come in now?"

"YIPE!!" Ryou yelped, having not noticed the Pharaoh come up right behind him.

"Sorry." Marik said, and backed off. "Come on in. Don't be shy. It's not like we haven't seen you naked before." Ryou gulped, and nodded. Marik snickered to himself. The boy took off his robe and was blushing already. Malik watched Ryou slowly strip, then slide into the water as quick as he could. Marik and Malik both grinned at the sudden pleased look on Ryou's face.

"The waterfall..." Marik called, and Ryou looked at him as he slipped into the water as well. "The water is clean. You can drink it." Ryou smiled and swam towards the waterfall. Marik and Malik watched him, curious. They themselves swam like dogs, using their arms and legs to paddle throught the water. Ryou, however, kept his arms to his sides and kept his legs together, moving his body in a wave motion that started from the head and continued down to his feet, much like a species on an nearby ocean world, called Nereans. They had no legs, but a long scaly tail and fins, and webbed hands.

Ryou reached the waterfall and cupped his hands, filling them and drinking from them. He refilled them several times before turning to look at the Egyptonians, who were watching him with wide eyes and open mouths. Ryou blinked.

"You really DO drink alot of water, don't ya?" Marik said, and Ryou blushed slightly. Marik and Malik fidgeted for a moment. "GET 'IM!!!" Marik suddenly roared, and Ryou froze in alarm as the Prince and Pharaoh of Egyptonia charged. Ryou ducked under the water and easily outmaneuvered the pair. When he surfaced, he saw the Egyptonians after him. But a second look showed their true nature; they were grinning and had a misheivious playful sparkle in their eyes, and suddenly, Ryou was sure that they were not going to hurt him. He ducked under the water, but this time, he allowed Malik to tackle him. He wasn't sure why...

Ryou, Malik and Marik surfaced, all laughing. Ryou shrieked as he was tickled mercilessly by the royal brothers. And this torture continued for nearly fiteen minutes, with small chases every now and then when the tan brothers took pity and let their quarry "escape". Finally, Ryou stopped fighting, too exhausted, and the brothers stopped too. Ryou smiled up at Marik for a moment. Marik frowned when Ryou's smile slowly disappeared.

"What's wrong?" Marik asked.

"Nothing.... Just remembering..."

"Remebering what?" Malik asked as he floated on his back.

"I used to play like that with....."

"Your brother." Marik finished, and Ryou nodded. Marik sighed and looked down. "I know you miss him. But I hope to get you back to him." Ryou jerked his head up.

"Really? Do you really mean it?" He asked.

"Yes." Marik said, smiling. "I love my brother with all my heart, and it would kill me to have him taken from me. I have every intention of returning you to your brother, safe and sound. When the time is right."

"Promise?" Ryou asked, plaintively. Marik and Malik both grinned, developing a deep liking for their prisoner.

"Promise." They sang in unison, and Ryou smiled.

"Ummmm...... I'm kinda..... Hungry?" Ryou said, tentatively.

"Well then, let's get you fed." Marik said, and he and Malik began to paddle towards the edge of the pool. Ryou got their first and stepped out, wringing out his hair. He glanced over his shoulders at the Egyptonians, who seemed to be eyeing his body, and Ryou turned his back, blushing.

A sudden flash of movement caught his eyes, and he looked up at the main doorway before him. He stared at the shadow.

Marik and Malik looked up when Ryou suddenly gasped and stiffened, stumbling back a couple of steps.

"Prince Ryou?" Malik called, and Marik sped up. The prince's head tilted downward, and he whimpered.

"Ryou?!" Marik called, and gasped when the boy suddenly fell back, a long, thin silver shaft protruding from his chest. Malik's eyes widened and he gasped. Marik whirled and saw a figure flee.

"Help him, Malik!" He called, and leapt from the pool and sprinting after the figure. "GUARDS!!" He roared on the top of his lungs. The guards stood a moment, watching in surprise as their Pharaoh tore down the hall in the nude before joining the chase. Marik caught up with the figure and leapt at him, takling him to the ground. The crossbow went spinning across the floor as Marik slammed his fist into the man's face. He snarled down at the councilman who had called almost as loudly Anak for the death of the Assyrian.

"You fucker....." Marik growled. "You just signed your death warrant. Guards, take him to the dungeon. I want him chained between two gaurds at all time, and I want two more posted outside of his cell. IS THAT CLEAR?!?"

"YES SIR!!!" The guards chorused, and dragged the man away. Marik watched them go, then turned and raced back to the courtyard. He ran out, seeing Malik lifting the prince up out of the pool and Ishizu dragging him onto the ground. Several other council members stood around, talking tensely. They all politely blushed and averted their eyes when Marik came running into view. He knelt by the Assyrian and Ishizu draped his cloak over him before handing Malik his clothing. Marik glanced into the pool, wincing at the cloud of blood that was dissipating in the water. The Assyrian had shallow breathing, and was turning an ashen gray. Marik placed his hand on the boy's chest, positioning it so that the shaft of the bolt from the crossbow was between his middle and ring finger. He grasped the metal shaft close to the boy's chest and pulled. The arrow had sunk in a good five inches deep, and the Prince gave a pained moan as the arrow was removed from his body. The blood welled up thickly and Malik grabbed the closest thing, Marik's shirt, and pressed down on the wound, trying to stop the bleeding.

.................................................

"We have a ship on our scopes." Came the voice that jolted Yami out of his thoughts. "We're trying to contact it." Bakura glanced up from where he was sitting, reading. When an Egyptonian appeared on the screen, he leapt to his feet, glaring in hate.

"King Yami." The man on the screen said. "We are sending a capsule to your vessel. It is from Pharaoh Marik to Emperor Bakura." And the screen flickered off. Yami whirled.

"Analyze that capsule!! See what's in it, and prepare to destroy it!"

"Sir, I'm picking up signs of human life from within." Called a woman, and Yami looked at Bakura.

"Ryou!!" The Emperor gasped, and whirled, running down to the reception hold. Yami sent word to the other rulers, and soon, they were all gathered around when the capsule docked. It opened, and out fell an Egyptonian, bound hand and foot. Bakura stared at him in dismay, then fell to his knees with a frustrated scream. A light blinked on the capsule, and a vid-cartridge popped out. Bakura blinked and took it, then swept up to the council room, Seto and Otogi dragging the Egyptonian. Bakura shoved the vid-cartidge into the proper drive, and the screen lit up with Pharaoh Marik's face.

"Emperor Bakura." The Pharaoh said, and Bakura snarled. "I send this man to you with my apologies, and give you permission to do as you will with him, with my blessings." The vid switched to a security camera view, and Bakura gasped, seeing his brother on the footage, climbing out of a pool. The left side of the screen was taken up by a figure holding a crossbow. Bakura's eyes widened when the crossbow was lifted. He saw his brother look up, and then saw the trigger being pulled. When the bolt struck Ryou in the chest, Bakura didn't even hear himself scream. He watched his brother fall back into the water, and watched the man flee. He saw the naked Pharaoh (with a certain area blurred out) come tearing out of the water and towards the camera, fury on his face. He disappeared from view and Bakura focused on the Egyptonian Prince cradling his younger brother, wading over to the edge where several Egyptonians gathered. A moment later, Marik strode his naked ass back into the view and hurried to help. A woman covered his nudity and Bakura winced as the arrow was removed from his brother's chest. From there, he could not see what happened as people swarmed around. Bakura stood there, shaking in terror and fury.

Finally, Marik stood, Ryou in his arms, and rushed back towards the camera. And then, Marik's face returned as the security footage stopped.

"This is the man who wounded your brother. I apologize deeply for this unfortunate attempt on your brother's life. He will be fine, I assure you. I have him here with me." And Marik disappeared from the view, only to appear a moment later with Ryou in his arms. Bakura sobbed in relief. Ryou looked tired, and weak, but he looked okay. "I'm sending this to your brother. Want to say anything to him?" Marik asked Ryou gently, and Ryou turned his tired face to the screen and smiled slightly.

"I love you Bakura." He said, softly, and Yami watched the tears cascading down Bakura's face. "Marik hasn't hurt me. I promise. Although he does seem to have some tendency to go streaking." Marik's eyes widened in shock and he stared down at the boy in his arms.

"I do not!! Don't tell him that!!!" He cried, and there was some laughing from someone off camera. "Shut up, Malik!!!" Bakura was releived to see his brother giggling, though he was wondering why he wasn't in the dungoens as he thought he would be.

"Prince Ryou needs to get some rest Marik! Quit posing for the camera and put him back in his Nest!!"

"Oh, you do it." Marik spat, and Malik appeared, taking Ryou from Marik and walking out of view, much to Bakura's dismay. Marik turned back to the camera.

"Ryou will be staying with me in my chambers from now on for his own safety. I swear to you, that while I do intend to hold him prisoner, I will not allow him to be hurt. I told the members of my council this, but this man refused to listen. I therefore turn him over to you, so that you may punish him however you see fit for trying to murder your brother. I will be in touch." And the vid ended. Bakura slowly turned, fire in his eyes as he glared at the Egyptonian.

"Prepare yourself for your worst, and last moments....." He snarled, and approached the Egyptonian.

.................................................