Dousing the Flame

An Unexpected Return

A/N: Hello all! I'm sorry for the sad chapter. Hopefully this one makes up for it. Also, I am doing a large time jump in this chapter and I am sorry to say this is the last chapter of Dousing the Flame. I want to thank you all again for reading, voting, and commenting. You have no idea how much it means to me. I really hope you enjoyed reading this story and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Love,

Ukume27

/Thoughts/

"So you are the princess," A gruff voice broke the silent serenity of the garden. Angular crimson tinted amethyst peered through the wild layers of tri-colored hair; locking on the individual who had spoken.

"Who are you? I've never seen you before," Layla responded, eying the man suspiciously. He was a tall muscular man covered in tattoos. His curly raven hair was tied behind his head in a pony tale.

"Don't worry about who I am young princess. Worry about why I am here," he advised.

"Well then?" She snapped and rose to her feet, bringing herself to her full height. Her sleeveless white dress flowing behind her; the slit over her right leg went up to her mid thigh. The seventeen year old princess locked eyes on the menacing figure approaching her.

"Oooh such a feisty little one. I think this is going to be fun," The man's eyes glowed crimson; the shadows around them expanding and taking on a life of their own. A shadow wrapped its way up Layla. It pinned her arms to her torso and covered her mouth, preventing her from screaming.

"I am here for revenge," the man approached Layla's trapped figure. "You see, a long time ago, before you were born, your fathers defeated my bandits and sent me to the shadow realm. It was a bitch to get out. Now that I am out, I am here for my sweet revenge."

He poured a liquid into a black cloth and covered her mouth and nose with the dampened cloth. Crimson tinted amethyst rolled back; Layla was shoved into unconsciousness by the chemical fumes of chloroform. He picked her up; wrapping her in his cloak. He made his way to the throne room to see his two favorite doppelgangers.

"You're Highness! I'm back!" He growled bursting through the door. Atem and Yugi stood, their eyes locking on the bandit lord.

"Guards!" Atem yelled.

"Ah ah. No, I wouldn't do that if I were you," The guards began to circle the bandit lord. He shifted his cloak, revealing the unconscious figure of Layla.

"Layla!" Yugi yelled, his hand covering his mouth.

"Your guards come any closer and I will slit her pretty little throat," the bandit lord threatened.

"How in blazes did you get out of the shadow realm?" Atem growled; his hands forming fists.

"It wasn't easy. Now back to business. Provide me with a horse and allow me to pass without confrontation. Any movement I don't like, will result in her blood redecorating your palace," the man demanded.

Atem grit his teeth together. Yugi stood next to him, clutching his arm. "You will never get away with this," the petite man spat.

"The horse, Your Highness," the bandit lord shouted again, backing away towards the door. The guards looked at each other in helpless astonishment, watching the man back up. None of them could make a move to save her; even though any of them would give their life without hesitation to ensure her safety.

Crimson burned with fury and the pharaoh nodded to the guards. He met the eyes of the one who started to head for the stables, "Hikari. Provide him with Hikari." The guard nodded and rushed out to saddle up the white speed demon.