A/N: Well here we are with chapter 4 of Canvas. And yes, I'm sorry about how long it took me to get it out. I appreciate your patience with my late updates...a lot. I'm just a tad bit stressed and exhausted from the heaps of test and school work that had been dumped on me. But the good news is that there over for now and I have some time to write. However, it feels like there is some hidden school work peeking around the corner somewhere, waiting for a chance to strike. Look at that, I'm beginning to become paranoid. Anyway, I believe this chapter to be a rather interesting one. I only say that because I added some limeish content into this chapter and this just so happens to be the very first time I wrote material like that. I would like to know what you thought about it. And before I forget because I'm a complete air-head at times, I would like to mention this chapter was beta'd by Chronos Mephistopheles. She did a wonderful job, and for that, I commend her. Thanks for everything pal!

Chapter Warning: Blood, gore death, violence, minor language, and some limeish content. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!


Sentiments of A Caged Bird

Do you know why the caged bird sings…?

Something felt horribly wrong the moment Yugi opened his amethyst eyes, a sudden shiver crawling up his spine, relieving him of any lingering sleepiness. The sun had barely touched its spot on the horizon, only beginning to administer its many colorful types of shading across the sky, as if unsure what color to decide upon. It was a terrifying feeling to experience when first waking up; making Yugi anxious as he peered around the room, subconsciously worrying the fabrics of his blue blanket, seeking to draw comfort from it. That foreign feeling he was growing accustomed to urged him to scent the air, confused but proceeding to do so because he was confident that wasn't the source of the problem; only to be unnervingly mistaken when it was.

Blood, so very tangible and harshly metallic, was fused in with the natural scents of his room, and from it thickness, Yugi was able to come to the sickening conclusion that it wasn't no small amount. Where did it come from? Already Yugi began to shake as he slid hesitantly out of bed, clear perspiration breaking out against his skin as he prayed that there wasn't anything dead in his room. How would he explain that to his grandpa? He shook his head to clear away the possible scenario his mind created for him, finally noticing a black treasure box sitting ominously on his work desk, knowing from the depths of his heart that it wasn't there before. It looked like it contained something evil from the way a golden eye carved expertly into its center was boring sinfully into him, coaxing him silently to give into the temptation of peering into what was inside. And from the way the reek stench of blood, death was now also distinguishable in the mix of scents, Yugi would say looking inside was a terrible idea.

'Throw it away; don't look inside,' whispered his brain warningly. Human curiosity began to convince him to take a peak, just a small one. But the way that box just oozed out the vile stench of death and how its eye awaited his actions with what seemed to be a mocking laughter made Yugi's hair stand on end. He took a step back, never taking his off the thing, almost expecting it to lunge at him and suck him up into whatever lay inside. Yugi just couldn't approach it, which was why when caught sight of a note attached to the top, the red letters beckoning him-no ordering him to come over and read it. And so he did, his breathing already becoming labored.

I give you my heart as a symbol of my growing feelings for you, my inspiration. Enjoy its sentimental value.

Yami

'It can't be,' Yugi thought petrified, his hand landing on the box's warm surface, trembling. He had to know exactly what this box contained or else he go insane, hand quivering as it descended down until he reached the small, golden grooves of where his fingers were supposed to be inserted to lift the lid. Panting heavily from the suffocating suspense and dread, Yugi flipped it open quickly, slapping his hand over his mouth to muffle his scream of horror as he stumbled backwards, knocking down a chair and falling in the process.

Inside the box lay the heart of a human, drifting in a pool of macabre, dark red blood, deflated from the lack of oxygen, collapsing into itself. Purplish veins and tattered arteries littered it's disgusting, red surface, other remnants of its former attachments drifted in a puddle of blood the heart created, looking utterly repulsive. It was nothing more than a lump of dead tissue and muscle floating and saturated in its fluids. The sole creator of the disgusting smell that nauseated and terrified Yugi beyond comprehension. It was foolish of him to even consider that Yami had any shred of humanity left somewhere into that complicated madness of his because no human would have the gall and detachment needed in order to rip out someone's heart. Only a deranged psychopath would present such a gruesome thing as gift, no matter how symbolic it was.

Sensing his body's reaction to the nauseating sight, Yugi sprinted out of his room into the bathroom next door, vomiting up bile and other acidic things, coughing over the toilet as he struggled to his feet, weak-kneed. It wouldn't leave; the sickening image of that deflated mess in that accursed box refused to leave him. It cemented itself for the rest of his existence into his memory for references that would no doubt drive him insane. God, help him please! He just couldn't take it anymore! The gravity of all that has transpired was threatening to consume his weakened mentality, begging him to finally succumb to madness and declare Yami the victor of this game. There would be no more letters, no more manipulation, no more madness, just death. Yugi was just so exhausted from it all, from Yami…his personal Satan. Even if he were to die, Yugi knew that Yami would find away to torment him, even through death, the notion enough to bring a fresh load of crystal tears to his dulling amethyst eyes.

He was so very tired…so, so tired…

Numb and practically devoid of any thoughts except one, Yugi slipped quietly back into his room as he donned on a purple robe over his pajamas while simultaneously slipping on some blue slippers and grabbing the box, shutting it with a wince. Very quietly so as not to disturb his grandpa's slumber, Yugi crept down the stairs, grateful that they didn't creak as he headed to the backyard, grabbing a shovel. The least he could do was bury the person's heart instead of disrespectfully tossing it in the garbage.

Once he was outside, taking a moment to survey for any curious onlookers and testing the dawn wind's strength, Yugi set to work with a grunt, creating the roots for a small burial site. It didn't take long till the hole was descent size, hurriedly placing the box into the soil before covering it up, feeling as he was the one who committed a crime. It was a very ridiculous feeling to be experiencing at the moment but Yugi couldn't help but envision the crimson liquid staining his hands, making him release a short-lived sob as he huddled into himself, leaning against the shovel for support. He blamed himself for the deaths of innocent people, mainly Anzu, the very person he failed to save. The mere mention of her name wracked his body with bitter sobs, numb to the wind whipping through his resplendent hair, tousling its uniqueness.

"Why are you crying little one? It doesn't become of you."

'No!' Yugi exclaimed mentally, remembering Yami's husky words, his penetrating gaze, his sinful caress…

"You are my inspiration, the reason why I kill…the reason why my life has meaning now."

He whimpered in distress, choking back a sob of remorse, 'Stop it…,'

"I'm infatuated with you."

'Enough…I can't…please…,' the teenager begged, wandering why his mind tormented him so mercilessly with recent memories.

"Yugi…"

'No…more…just go away.' He curled into himself, holding his knees, feeling a crushing sense of hopelessness eat at his insides.

"I want you to take away my loneliness."

"Enough!" Yugi cried loudly, standing shakily as he shook visibly with rage and desperation, weary from his unexplained mental trauma, wishing strongly to be in solitude, anywhere where Yami's voice would cease to exist, even if that was death.

"Yugi? What are you doing out here at this ungodly hour? It's nearly 4:00."

Startled by the voice that rung tiredly in his ears, Yugi spun around sharply, confused at the sight of his elderly grandfather standing at the doorway in baby-blue pajamas, staring strongly at him with such intense concern, so much that it shook his heart to its very foundations. His grandfather loved him so much didn't he? To think that he would repay the man by leaving him for a psychopathic murderer, tears once again resurrecting to sting the back of his eyes, but he held them back to not further worry his grandpa. He had done enough crying, his puffy red eyes enough evidence of his insistent tears. He sniffled as he walked towards his grandpa who laid a comforting hand upon his shoulder, violent eyes asking what words did not, not that they needed to.

"Come on Yugi; let's talk over a warm cup of tea. Than you can tell me what's troubling you, deal?"

Giving a half-hearted smile in response, Yugi let himself be guided to the kitchen table where he awaited a fresh cup of tea, listening to his grandpa fill the kettle with water to boil. That homebrewed tea of his was always enough to soothe away his ordinary problems, but it wouldn't do now for this was no ordinary problem. Oh how Yugi wished for the normalcy to return to his life, when he could honestly sleep at night without the fear that a killer entered his room on whim, when he wasn't tormented or constantly worrying about the lives of his precious people. The whistling of the tea kettle and the soft curse spilling from his grandpa's lips served to only remind Yugi that normalcy would never return to him, making him bite his lips in order to stifle the sob. No…no more crying…

"Here you go Yugi, some nice homebrewed green tea. Lighten up my boy," he chuckled, the creases formed from his old age kneading together, laughing with him. He placed the tea on a small silver platter in front of Yugi who shown his gratitude through his eyes, turning on the television as he poured his own cup of tea. Unfortunately, the news was the selected channel, yet Yugi wasn't paying much attention to it because the tea was washing away his depression for the moment. That is until…

"Three bodies were found dead in the Mazaki household…"

Yugi went rigid, turning so slow that it felt like time was in slow motion, eyeing the news woman who had paled at the horrible news she was reporting, the cup in his hand trembling and spilling tea at the sides.

"Investigators are doing everything in their power to trace the killer but it's proving to be much harder than expected. It's as if the killer hadn't ever stepped into the house, leaving no clues at all." The woman struggled to her composure as she released more of the horrific information, make-up messing up as she just couldn't hold back the tears. "The victim's bodies were mutilated brutally, each suffering from slightly different wounds. However, the body that is most horrific is that of Anzu Mazaki. Her heart was…literally ripped from her chest. Oh gods save us please! Will this murderer never be caught!? Will Domino City ever be able to rest?"

A tea cup went crashing to the floor with deafening clarity as a boy screamed his lungs out, crying hysterically as a sympathetic-if not disturbed-grandfather held him close, trying to pacify the heart-wrenching sobs that tore at his heartstrings.

-/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/-

An elegant brush simply refused to touch the white blankness of the canvas, fingers clenched irritable around its shaft as its tip dripped with a dash of dark red, crimson eyes glaring holes of enervation into his worst enemy: the canvas which mocked him. Being unable to find sleep after his trip from his muse's house, Yami had attempted to paint the mirror image of the perfect picture his muse gave to him, which was of an angel sleeping in a peaceful slumber, Yugi playing the part of the angel. Even now, his mutinous fingers rebelled strongly against the idea of using his sable-hair paint brush to create the picture still fresh in his mind, making his blood boil hotly.

How was it that still he was unable to mare this disgustingly blank canvas with his art? How was that possible when he had a form of inspiration to draw from? It didn't make any form of sense in Yami's frustrated mind as he got up from his seat, pivoted around with a swish of his red robe and left that hated room, listening with rage as the canvas's degrading voice assaulted his mind with challenging insults. No. He must not, under any circumstances, fall for that hated canvas taunts; that was beneath him. But now, since he was unable to create art once more, he needed something to pacify him or he might fall prey to his impulsive desires.

Almost immediately, the urge to kill overwhelmed him, which is until he smothered it with rationality and logic. He had just killed that annoying wench Anzu. It would be better if he spaced out the time between his killings, already knowing that the investigators and cops had discovered the Mazaki family bodies. He had personally made sure of that by painting a sickening trail of blood that led to the neighbor's doorstep. Yami could only imagine with an expression of gratification the hysteria he caused, but even that wasn't enough to fill this void in his heart. He was missing the exhilarating feel of having a reason to live. He missed Yugi who was the sole reason for his madness, the one who gave him a meaning to his once meaningless existence. Just the thought of the innocent boy made his blood burn with sinful hellfire, causing him to stop dramatically as soon as he entered his private chambers. Such a fire had never before burned through his body, and what pleasurable fire it was, this scorching heat that threatened playfully to engulf him, teasing him with dark wishes.

Amethyst eyes, as brilliant as refined jewels, stared at him with an almost sensual allure…tempting him…desiring him…

Gritting his teeth an almost instant arousal, Yami attempted to soothe his overreacting imagination with a glass of his favored wine, feeling the liquid slid down his throat, leaving that pleasant scorching trail and rich flavor. But still, those soulful amethysts wouldn't leave his mind, his body reacting in ways that haven't in such a long time, making him hiss in painful need as he relied on the dark walls of his grand room for support. He knew his mind was merely reflecting what he desired, and he was neither afraid nor ashamed to admit that he wanted his muse more than just a source of inspiration. Such an admission was established a long time ago.

Those lips…those sinfully delectable lips as soft as rose petals whispered to him sweetly…against his neck with a ghostly caress…stating their every desire…

"Damn it," Yami snarled viciously, beginning to perspire slightly as he felt blood rush into his loins, giving him a rather painful erection, throbbing with an inhumane need. It took all his self-control not to slip his hand into his trousers and relieve himself like he ached to do, to relieve this sudden desire to have Yugi underneath him, begging and calling his name on those teasing lips over and over again. He could imagine it vividly; Yugi lying amongst the satin-black sheets of his bed; those beautiful amethyst eyes glazed over with a thick layer of lust, completely and utterly beautiful in his nakedness; his moon-illuminated skin alight with a pale glow, awaiting him. Yes! What a beautiful sight that would be, the fantasy enough to snap a cord in his brain, immediately slipping his hand into his trousers to wrap around pulsing, heated flesh, crimson eyes half-lidded with an immense amount of lust and desire…

Yugi's head snapped back as he bit possessively onto the milky column that was his muse's neck, claiming him-marking him as his own…

Panting harshly in his pleasure, golden bangs drooping between his glazed over eyes, Yami increased the speed of his hand working desperately at his member, releasing quiet groans as his fantasy grew more intense, more insane. He could almost imagine transparent fingers ghosting his bronze skin, setting his now sensitive nerves aflame with a fluttering pleasure, his head reeling back from the euphoric sensation, feeling his own pre-cum coat his fingers eagerly with its substance. Never had Yami felt so good, even when he had been with others for it was never this pleasurable. Just the thought of his little one was enough to bring him into this high of ecstasy, letting out a husky groan from his panting lips, feeling that intense pressure coiling almost unbearably in his lower stomach. Faster this pace needed to go to satisfy him, again envisioning Yugi with high-quality clarity, his ghostly touch never leaving him.

He was intoxicated by the taste of creamy skin tantalizing his tongue, capturing those mouth-watering lips for his own in a passionate lock, that silky, shy tongue brushing against his oh so sweetly…slowly…

Breathing labored, moans of pleasure frequently tearing from his throat, Yami could fill that coil unwinding as his movements became desperate, uncontrolled, almost animalistic in movement. It was maddening, these thoughts, these unworldly sensations, this fantasy…everything, the pressure threatening to release in a burst of blinding white. Yugi, his muse, his little one, he couldn't get enough and yet hungered for so much more. He wanted everything that the younger could offer, his blood, body, soul, and heart, anything that was for the taking. But something was missing…Yami desired more.

Small arms enclosed affectionately around a strong neck, planting a searing kiss underneath a keen ear, whispering so softly that it was almost inaudible…

"I love you, Yami Atemu."

Burning crimson orbs snapped open sharply as Yami felt his climax hit hard in reaction to his fantasy, voicing out a long, guttural moan of intense pleasure, his body going numb at the intensity of his orgasm as he rode out the rest of it with a few jaunty hand motions and jerky thrusts. The hellfire burning throughout his now sizzling blood erode into nothing, satisfied at the moment as he pulled his stained hand from his soiled pants. Those words…were never said to him before. But that wasn't what brought him into such orgasm. No, it was the heavy layer of sincere affection coating those words derived from the emotion of love. And very slowly without any unexplained reason, Yami laughed, a rich sound that rumbled in his throat as it increased in volume, bordering on the fine line to becoming insane, crimson eyes glowing luminously while he grinned psychopathically.

It would seem he needed Yugi much more than he originally thought.

-/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/-

Numb, suffering, miserable.

They were the perfect words to describe the emotions coursing through Yugi's body as he sat disorientated in his seat in the classroom, vaguely aware of whatever was transpiring around him, the teacher's droning voice nothing but a dull hum in his ears. Once shining amethyst eyes were now glazed over with a thin film of grief and sorrow, his heart's beating conducting an agonizing tune that could only reflect a mere portion of the turmoil brewing in his soul. It wouldn't leave, that accursed news-reporter's voice revealing dreadful news, repeating over and over again about what to his dear friend. He could remember the events following his sudden hysterical breakdown; how he retreated into his room without a word and receded into the depths of his mind, listening to the low, accusing voice of his conscious berate him with words of scorn and disgust, placing the blame of Anzu's death on his small, quivering shoulders. And it didn't take long for Yugi to start believing that it was his fault.

Yes…it was his fault wasn't it? Yugi bit back a sob, knowing it would attract the attention of his classmates and Malik, whom he shared his class with this period. He didn't need to cause more reason for Malik to feel more concern, especially knowing that the other was going through what he was experiencing, perhaps not as intense. Why should he? He wasn't the one responsible for her death, so it wasn't required that he felt this burning guilt. With a sudden flash of heart-wrenching fear, Yugi wondered how Malik would react to knowing that Anzu died because of him, his eyes fixating on the Egyptian teen writing half-heartedly in his book, a terrible sadness on his face as he struggled to concentrate. How would the others feel? Would they fear him knowing that being in contact with him could lead to their untimely deaths? Would they abandon him, forcing Yugi to rely on himself for support?

Without his knowing, Yugi felt a tear slip down his pale check, clenching his desk till all the blood left his fingers to stifle the sudden sickening feel churning his stomach painfully at the thought of his friends abandoning him. Yugi wouldn't be able to handle it, knowing that would officially mean he would be by himself to confront a murderous psychopath.

Sighing in true despair, Yugi's eyes strayed towards the window, looking through the clear surface to gaze absentmindedly at the school grounds, his expression conflicted from all the negative emotions he was feeling. It was only when a jet-black, convertible sports car with an almost futuristic design pulled up at the entrance smoothly, the top down, which allowed Yugi to see the person piloting it, did his eyes light up with emotions that wasn't associated with negative ones, going completely rigid with tension and fear.

Dressed in a sexy black and red blazer, black trousers, and a of pair black and red leather boots, was Yami, expression nonchalant and indifferent while black shades shielded his magnificent crimson eyes, leaning back against his sleek black car, apparently waiting for someone. His mere presence brought Yugi to the point of hyperventilating, breaking out into a cold sweat when that tri-colored head tilted up towards his classroom, tipping up his shades so their eyes could meet, smoldering crimson locking with iridescent amethyst. And slowly, Yami smiled wickedly, mouthing something that had Yugi's blood freeze in his veins.

"I'm waiting, little one…"

Frantic but still surprisingly retaining his outward composure, Yugi tore his eyes from burning crimson and glimpsed nervously at the clock, breathing hard. 45 seconds until the bell rung, signaling the end of the day, making Yugi eyes wander back to the his Egyptian friend. No doubt did the others want to talk about Anzu's unfortunate death, mainly to console him because he was closest to her. But he couldn't talk to them, not if he wanted Yami to come storming into the building looking for him an impatient rage, no doubt to be hidden by his flawless façade of calm. As soon as that bell rung, Yugi would have no choice but to sprint out of the classroom, ignoring the alarmed calls of his name that was sure to spill from Malik's lips, and confront Yami…with the decision he was supposed to have made.

Yugi's heart tightened in his chest unbearably, eyes still on that clock.

25 seconds…

During his trip to school, Yugi came to the painful decision of leaving his grandpa in favor of living with Yami, the prospect succeeded in bringing him a consuming sense of dread. It was like walking into the lion's den with nothing but your bare hands for protection against a sadistic lion. He would have nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, caged there until his life was forfeit…just like a bird with clipped wings, unable to fly and behind the bars of a cage. From what Yami told him, he would be lavished with anything he desired which would probably be an ordinary person's dream. Yugi just wouldn't get? Have? his life back, but even he knew that was a far off dream.

"Alright class, that concludes the lesson. Is there any questions before you live?" The teacher asked, surveying his students who sat impatiently in their seats, eager to leave.

He was answered with an overwhelming silence.

"You may leave."

Yugi was among the first of the students to arise from their seats, slinging his backpack across his back while simultaneously glancing towards the window, meeting impatient crimson eyes in a quick yet silent lock before leaving. Adrenaline and anxiety made him nimble as he maneuvered through the bodies in the classroom, vaguely aware of a caramel-colored hand lunging for him while a surprised voice shouted his name, only grazing him as he practically flew out the door. The fear that was making him anxious blinded him slightly, the sole reason to as why he nearly bumped into Ryo, to intent on going downstairs to answer the British boy's alarmed question. He needed to get away from here, before his friend's saw Yami and vice versa. Somewhere in his heart he knew that Yami wouldn't be so welcoming to his other friends seeing as he brutally murdered Anzu, like the sadistic monster he was. No more of his friends would die at his expanse, not if he could help it.

Panting and exhausted from his run downstairs, Yugi stopped as he exited the building, immediately feeling a pang of discomfort when he realized all eyes were on him, darting back ever so often to the school's mysterious visitor. Swallowing thickly, Yugi quickly made his way to Yami who awaited him, an ominous air around him as those shades once again blocked those intense eyes, but he could still feel their calculating gaze through their tinted frames. But the curious whispers flowing around him, starting the foundations of rumors that were sure to only to make his life so much more difficult, urged him to walk faster. He didn't need this, those jealous eyes, those bitter words, just the plan distaste they were exuding.

Make it stop…

"Yugi…"

Yugi felt himself flinch subtly as Yami smiled at him, something sinister and not completely right behind it, something dangerous. Even so, Yugi felt his tongue respond, low and hesitant, unsure. "Hello Yami."

The other chuckled darkly as he slid gracefully into the driver's seat, gesturing for Yugi to take the seat next to him. Weren't for his manners and fear of the unstable man, Yugi would have ran as far as he could possibly can, never stopping to look back. And as if reading his thoughts, Yami fixed him with a warning look, watching with a satisfied expression as the younger sat, cautious. "You're so tense Yugi. Relax."

Even though it was Yami's wish to relax, Yugi felt himself tense further when the car roared alive and pulled away from the school sharply, his heart beating 100 miles a minute. God he could only hope that the killer's driving skills didn't reflect the madness he housed, amethyst eyes flickering wildly around, distrusting of being in the same vehicle with a killer.

"Have you come to a decision Yugi?" Crimson eyes never left the road when he asked the question, but still, Yugi felt as if they were piercing him anyway.

"Y-Yes."

Lips pulled into a unnerving smile while burning orbs narrowed in expectance, fingers thrumming the black wheel almost triumphantly, like he knew the answer already, which he probably did. "Well?"

Yugi inhaled breathily, heart beginning to suffocate as sorrow enclosed it within its grasp, holding back the tears that stung his beautiful eyes. "I-I choose to…live with you."

The car stopped as they hit a red light, giving Yami the chance to gaze at Yugi with an insane delight lighting red depths. "Wise choice, my little muse," he looked at the road, humming in contentment. "Our future starts now, Yugi."

'But I don't want to share a future with you…'

A very uncomfortable silence drifted between the two as the ride continued; crimson eyes unreadable as they concentrated on the road while anxious amethyst's flickered around, not recognizing the part of town where they were cruising through. It reminded him of the richer portion of town from last night, only this time there were plenty of stores, displaying items that could easily devour a load of money and it still wouldn't be enough to fulfill the requirements for acquiring it. By all means, Yugi wished that Yami could turn the car around, flinching visibly when the killer veered right sharply, beginning to decrease in speed as they approached a huge structure, a university or campus from the looks of things. Without fail, the teen felt dread build up in his stomach and proceeded to claw at its fleshy walls, making him slightly sick. He couldn't fight this horrible feeling that screamed warnings in his ear, getting worse and more intense when Yami parked the car with inhumane grace, a troubling smile taunt on those devilish lips of his as he looked directly at Yugi, speaking in his husky tone.

"This is the University of the Arts, Yugi. It's a very prodigious school for talented people such as you. If you are to live me Yugi, you only deserve the best, so I already I filled out your enrollment papers. Come." Yami commanded easily as he stepped out of the car, looking perfectly in place with all the sophisticated people going about their business, not paying them any attention as if they were used to seeing people like Yami.

Hiding his reluctance under a calm façade, Yugi followed Yami without a word; his eyes widening as he fully began to appreciate the magnificence of the building, feeling immediately out of place in its red enclosing brick walls. He couldn't give the exact measurements of how tall the building actually stood, but if he was to take a guess Yugi would say it stood to be roughly 20 feet, and that was just measuring the length. The intertwining pathways that they were walking on was made of fine cobblestone while exotic and foreign foliage littered the humongous grounds, but never touching the red walls as if they were sacred. Inside one of the countless windows decorating the high-maintenance building, Yugi could see what appeared to be a class filled with students wielding a variety of instruments, precise and skilled as if they had mastered their instrument; their music that was created coming to together in perfect harmony. Whatever hope that survived in his heart of surviving in such a place disappeared the moment Yugi saw how they used their talents with ease, like prodigy's developing whatever skill they had yet to refine.

How could Yami not see that he possessed not a shred of talent?

He resisted the urge to release his emotions in a loud sigh as they entered to be what seemed like a grand hall due to its high-quality décor, looking to be straight ripped out of an art museum. It made him feel small and he was easily discomforted, wishing for Yami to hurry to their unknown destination. And much to his relief, it didn't take long until they exited out the monstrosity of a hallway and came to a door in a private section of the school, a quieter one. About to raise question as to why they stopped, Yugi opened his mouth only to be given a warning glare with those piercing eyes.

"Wait here. I'm going to meet with the Director of the school."

Before he could respond, Yami had walked into the room with definite click of the lock, leaving Yugi in solitude in a desolate corridor, the quietness gradually attacking his nerves. Why was it so quiet? Shivering, amethyst eyes strayed around until it settled on a gilded water fountain that wasn't too far away. It tempted him with a drink, the idea of water calming him. Without a second thought and assured that Yami wouldn't mind this short endeavor, Yugi hurried to the fountain and took a long drink, admiring the pure taste.

"Enjoying the water, kid?"

Yugi froze, not daring to look up and see the source off the rather crude voice.

"Do they not have water where you come from?"

Yelping in surprise and fear, Yugi felt hands grab into his blue jacket effortlessly and was heaved brutally into the wall, his head, unfortunately, connecting sharply with brick so hard that his vision suffered, scared amethyst disorientated as they tried to focus on his assaulter, or perhaps assaulters from the way he was seeing double. Weren't it for that ornery smile marring their decent faces, Yugi wouldn't have taken the three boys to be violent people, their costly clothes giving them the impression that they were to sophisticated for such brutality? And they weren't all that tall either, but it didn't matter because he couldn't fight back even if he wanted to.

"Look at him; he's like a little kid. I wonder if he squeals."

The one who was holding him, obviously the leader, sneered viciously at him while the others chuckled quietly, amused by his fear, and the pleading looks he were given them. Unfazed, the leader ground him further into the walls, until he gasped in pain, feeling the rough material dig through his clothes and teasing his skin. Yugi couldn't believe this was happening. What did he possibly do to upset these people to the point of violence? Tears began to form at the corner of his eyes, was he wishing for a savior? Yes, he wanted a knight armed in shining white armor, riding upon a magnificent steed while brandishing a mighty sword of steel, ready to fight for him and to chase away the painful memories that were beginning to resurface. Where was his knight?

Ambient crimson eyes…a husky, rich baritone voice…a monster in human skin…

Inwardly, Yugi smiled bitterly as the image of his tormentor filled his mind while the bully entertained his audience by choking him, aiming to crush his windpipe with brutish hands, spots of white flickering dangerously in his vision, warning him of his upcoming suffocation. To think, when he envisioned his knight, Yami came up instead, as if mocking him at the trivial dream he long ago buried when he used to be abused by bullies in his school. But maybe Yami was his knight, a knight dressed in hellish black armor. It was ironic how the killer suited the role so well…his knight...his advocate in black armor.

"I hate filth like you," hissed the older teen into his ear, tightening his grip until Yugi could barely breathe, his lungs desperately trying to filter in air. "Poor people don't deserve education like this. Get the fuck out of my school."

"Release him."

As soon as that familiar voice spoke, frigid and lacking any detectable emotion, Yugi felt himself fall to the ground uncomfortable, gasping and inhaling sweet air as he massaged his throat, knowing there would be some type of discoloration to prove that he was assaulted. From what he was hearing, the sound of boots echoing ominously as they made movement to his direction, Yugi could say the bullies were terrified from the way they quivered like the cowards they really were. He half-expected them to begging them for forgiveness because obviously, Yami was clearly a very dangerous person to them. Instead, they broke down into incoherent babbling as they tried to justify their actions and explain, but it was pretty self-explanatory. And seeing as Yami had yet to respond, Yugi could tell forgiveness would not be given.

A murderer doesn't forgive.

"Mr. Atemu, we-"

"Silence or else I'll rip out your tongue and feed it to the dogs," he spoke lowly, tittering on the edge of cruelty and disgust. "Be gone from my sight and pray we don't ever repeat this encounter."

Their retreat was immediate and desperate as they collided with each other a couple times to escape the murderous intent exuding from Yami in smothering waves, making no effort to stifle their loud getaway. Before Yugi's stressed mind could even register what was happening, he felt strong, comforting arms wrap protectively around him, shielding him from any more dangers and from the cruelty off the world. At that moment, the full weight of what just transpired moments ago hit Yugi with destructive force, bringing crystal tears to his eyes as his mind struggled to comprehend he almost died. That is if Yami hadn't come to his aid, like a knight protecting his charge. For that moment, he let himself forget that the man currently holding him was an insane serial killer and listened somberly to the calm heartbeat beating in Yami's strong chest, a lulling sound that served to remind him he wasn't a complete monster. In Yami's arms, reality could be forgotten in favor of a purposefully ignorant bliss, just for this moment in time.

"Hush now, my little one," Yami spoke in a soothing voice, deep and sincere, "I promise that harm shall never befall you again. And any violators will be dealt with accordingly." Nimble fingers tilted a tear-stained face gently, glistening amethyst meeting searing crimson in a perpetual lock of promise. In those maddened eyes of blood-red, Yugi could see the poison of revenge and the burning hatred creating a malevolent mixture of something unspeakable, the dread he was well acquainted with returning with a vengeance from its temporary absence. He could see it all; the desire to murder and bring suffering upon those who wronged him just now, the very qualities that made Yami an unforgiving vigilante. His knight was gone and the monster was back, not leaving anytime soon.

"I vow to make them suffer. They'll be wishing for death when I'm through with them."

-/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/-

After that unfortunate accident, Yugi was disappointed to say that he had remained in the school at the suggestion of the director he met, meaning that he was left alone to fend for himself. Yami promised, with an unusual mirth flickering in those burning eyes of his, that he would come back to pick up, leaving with the excuse of having to attend to something important. Yugi tried through all his classes not to think about what Yami could've meant by that, and it worked for some time though seeing as the classes weren't exactly boring, but very challenging. His mind could barely keep up with the speed of the professor's explanations as he discussed about varying subjects, all of them related to music in some way because he absolutely refused to take any art classes, much to Yami's disappoint. For the life of him, Yugi couldn't create anything minimal artistic so he had opted to side with the music department, his instrument that he choose to specialize in was the piano, the instrument that produced such beautiful music. Apparently, much to Yugi's dismay, if he wanted to play the instrument, he would have to learn everything about it ranging from its history to how it's inner and outer mechanisms worked.

It was simply mind-blowing.

Trying his best to at least appear interested in his professors complicated explanation of where the piano originated from, Yugi sighed inaudibly in his boredom, his amethyst eyes surveying the auditorium-like room and its occupants wearily. Every room in the university was spacious like this one, built to accommodate instruments and sculptures of varying sizes. The space was quite unnerving to him seeing as he was more used to being in a room with lesser proportions and comfort. Yet, as he sat there, pen in hand, watching the dedicated young scholars of this university participating and listening raptly to the professor, Yugi couldn't be help wonder if he would ever see the average halls of his school, where his friends were. That is, if he even still had friends after he ran away like that. He could only hope that none of them saw Yami because that would only bring difficult questions to the surface. Yugi wasn't ready to combat that and he wasn't even sure if he would ever be. If only he had more-

"Everyone come quickly! Something terrible just happened…oh dear gods!"

Jolted from his thoughts rather suddenly, Yugi looked up from his desk to see his classmates racing out the door, followed by the professor trying to calm the mad rush, ; his wheezy voice quivering with the strain. Not wanting to be left out, or better yet alone, Yugi grabbed his things and ran after them, maneuvering through the crowd of bodies that were migrating towards what the school called the Concert Hall. Once he got there, Yugi's eyes filled amazement and an awed appreciation. If he had thought the auditorium-like classes were big, this place certainly took the cake.

Rows upon rows of chairs swept through the room, utterly uncountable, perhaps able to fit the whole population of the school in here, which was no laughable amount. Chandeliers made of gold, glass, and bronze decorated the sleek marble-like ceiling fashionably, the pristine walls glowing almost from the dim light hitting it. But the stage was truly the marvelous part for it compared to the stages seen only in expensive opera houses, its curtains dyed a blood-red color and embroidered with gold linen. The place was truly magnificent, yet Yugi failed to see what the people around him where panicking about, his height giving him a slight disadvantage because he couldn't outmatch everyone else's.

"Someone help Haruo! Quickly please!"

"How do we get him down!?"

"Someone fetch a ladder! Don't just stand there like a bunch of fish out of water! Help the poor boy!"

Yugi could hear it, the fear vibrating the bodies around him, the almost tangible horror, the weight of hopelessness, it made him sicken as he finally managed to pull through the mass of people, his face going disturbingly blank once he got to the front, emotionless almost. That boy Haruo, writhing, gasping, crying from his suffering was suspended high into the air by a noose wrapped inflexibly at his neck, the coarse rope creating hot friction that burned severely at his neck, scorching the skin of his throat each time he moved until his very life essence began to pour from the injury. His hands and legs were bound by a thick layer of tape, making it impossible for him to even free himself or to try, prolonging his suffering for each futile struggle he made, the tighter the rope got, critically pressuring the windpipe until it would inevitable collapse on itself. This was the very one who targeted him because he was less fortunate than wealthier people, because he was smaller than normal, because he simply could and was a spineless coward. Yugi found it to be very ironic that his former tormentor was about to be killed by the same method he planned to use on him: suffocation. But even if Haruo had tormented him earlier, he didn't deserve to die. Not like this anyway, no one did. It was very…brutal how it was executed.

'Yami why…why go to such lengths? He didn't deserve this…no one does…'

Sullen, pain-stricken, amethyst orbs continued to look upon another victim that fell prey to Yami's insanity, wanting to help but his body refused to move, unable to summon the will. But the gasps and sounds of struggle continued to proceed, growing fainter and further in between intervals, causing the ill teenager to fall to his knees, shielding his ears with his hands to block out the horrible sounds, people running around him to try and help. It was his fault wasn't it? If he had stood in the spot Yami appointed to him and not given into his thirst, Haruo wouldn't be struggling to draw in his dying breath. He truly was responsible for all the deaths and atrocities Yami committed. The murderer did it on his behalf did he not? Wouldn't that mean he was the killer as well? No he wasn't…just a flightless bird imprisoned in an inescapable cage, made to sing for and inspire a madman.

A caged bird sings for freedom…

"Oh my goodness!"

Someone screamed and Yugi looked up, horrified.

Time seemed to slow as if in slow motion as Yugi and the other spectators watched with barely concealed cries of horror as the noose suspending Haruo up snapped from weakness with an audible noise that sent chills through Yugi, body completely frozen. Never did his wide amethyst eyes shift from the writhing form descending to ground at a fatal pace, time continuing its agonizing slowness, his heart lodged painfully in his throat. Not even when the boy hit the ground with a sickening crack, blood immediately was flowing freely from a now fragmented skull, dull brown eyes open for all eternity, mouth agape in a pleading scream. Yugi could see now, that this was the way of death Yami had planned. The killer never intended to kill Haruo by suffocation; it was just a cruel means to torture him until he was killed from the killing impact with the ground. This horrible realization only succeeded in bringing forth more suffering to his heart that now bled with the weight of some many deaths occurring, wishing for a liberating numbness to free him from this nightmarish game.

When will it end?

Yugi shivered, ignoring all proceedings around like they didn't exist at all, just too exhausted from everything. His eyes no longer shone with that brilliant radiance they were known for; it was replaced with the emptiness of someone who seen too much death and was unable to prevent it. He so dearly wanted to go home, but he went utterly rigid with a painful realization, trying hard not submit to the flood of tears threatening to spring loose, and a sorrowful moan of grief dying prematurely in his throat. How could he be so forgetful? He no longer lived with his grandfather, but was now a prisoner to a murderer…forever.

Somewhere in the safety of his soul, Yugi could feel the withering fire of hope finally extinguish into charred ash.

-/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/--/-

As promised, a limo had come to pick Yugi up after the reminder of the school day, which was spent on police and investigators interrogating everyone and thoroughly investigating the crime scene, again proving to no avail. It was with sickening dread that Yugi noticed the replacement of the previous driver, completely enthusiastic about his job and innocently ignorant to the possibility that he could die anytime Yami had one of his unpredictable impulses. He couldn't even bring himself to suggest to the polite man to seek another job before it was too late, mainly because he was still shaken up from Haruo's death and the gut-churning anticipation he was feeling at the prospect of encountering Yami. He knew it shouldn't faze him anymore but his mind refused to get comfortable with the idea he knew a deranged murderer on a personal level, someone who lacked proper morals and fear.

Monster…

The teenager trembled slightly as he wrapped his uniform jacket even tighter from the loyal fear that has grown attached to him lately, praying that the driver would slow down to stall for more time. The slower they went, the easier Yugi could think rationally and find some way out of this. He refused to be shackled like he was now. He needed to escape…he needed a plan of action…but what…?

The door beside him opened soundlessly as the driver politely held it out for him, startling Yugi. He hadn't realized they arrived so fast and was reluctant to abandon the safety of the car to walk right into a mad house. But it wasn't like had a choice for Yami wouldn't tolerant such defiance, timid or not. So with that in mind, Yugi stepped into the cool night air, his attention instantly lying upon the impressive, chivalric mansion that was to be his home, momentarily forgetting everything negative about his new living arrangements just to gaze awe-struck at the grand building.

It was at least three stories in elevation and stretched and filled almost every piece of land Yami's spacious property had to offer. Priceless statutes of unbelievable beauty supplemented the area perfectly, regal in their interesting poses. Somewhere where the pathway split that led to one of the finely chiseled entrances of the mansion, was a gorgeous white fountain sprouting water into the air, centered directly in a pond-like body of water where the pale moonlight focused its enthrall rays. The actual mansion itself was in the design of the gothic-Victorian, its coloration an almost celestial black-onyx with a bit of gold providing the structure as a form of highlighter, any stray lights bouncing off of it making it shine with an almost eerie beauty. Whatever else features the mansion possessed was hidden by the buildings sheer size, eliciting a small slither of curiosity in Yugi. The need to explore itched irritably at his curious conscious, all his troubles forgotten so easily in this moment. Slowly, he took a step forth, only to feel a familiar arm encircle him affectionately, a warm breath heating his neck, shutting down his body. And then that velvety, husky voice spoke in soft, disarming whisper:

"Welcome home, my little muse."

Resisting the powerful desire to tear himself from the embrace subduing him, Yugi turned slightly to get a good luck at Yami in all his unworldly handsomeness, unreadable crimson eyes meeting wary amethyst in an engaging silence. For a hot minute, Yugi felt defenseless as he saw a deep loneliness mingling with the other emotions that labeled him as a psychopath, but it stood out in those enchanting pools of crimson. It took Yugi's breath away, and without thinking, he found himself unable to stop his hand from lightly touching Yami's finely tanned face, surprised when the man neither snapped at him nor resorted to violence. Instead his breathing became much quieter, almost nonexistent, and the loneliness in his eyes was joined with a touch of longing. But before Yugi could further analyze those seemingly human emotions, Yami reduced their contact until only an arm remained on his waist. Never did those burning eyes leave him though…never…

"Shall we go inside?" Yami suggested quietly, leading them through refined bronze doors before Yugi could answer.

Yugi wasn't surprised to see that the interior matched the outside of the mansion in beauty and grandeur, decorated with valuable items reserved only for high-standing art galleries. White staircases that spiraled slightly split off into different directions, each of them leading to a countless rooms hiding the secrets of the mansion. Portraits of various things ranging from mind-blowing scenery and noble looking people lined the tanned walls, the floor tiled in a crisscrossing black and white pattern, and semi-covered in a lush red carpet. It was a masterpiece, yet Yugi couldn't help but notice the double-locked door standing to the side by itself, exuding the aura of heavy secrecy and mystery. He wanted to know what was inside; his curious nature demanded it so.

"Does it satisfy you?" Yami inquired smoothly, smirking with a strange smugness.

Yugi could only nod, trying his best not to return his gaze back to that mystifying door.

Yami chuckled and was about to say something when a feminine voice interrupted him with a call of his last name, clicking his tongue irritably in order not to enact upon his impulsiveness. It was his maid, Veronica, walking quickly in high heels, her eyes a little exhausted from cantering to the mansion. Never had Yami wanted to behead the girl as much as he did now. "Yes Veronica?"

At first her green eyes glanced questionable at Yugi before respectfully bowing, speaking diligently. "Those art collectors have once again returned to buy one of your many famed pieces, Mr. Atemu. They desire your presence."

"Then send them away," he responded calmly, a nimble hand sifting wearily through his golden bangs. "I am much too tired from today's events to grace their presence."

Yugi could feel Yami's aggravation and it made him cautious, but he still stuck to the man's side for he refused to release through his building temper.

Veronica, sympathetic for her master's obvious weariness, continued to speak, her professional voice laced with sorrow. "Master Atemu, I apologize but they heavily insist on meeting you."

A tense, quick silence followed as Yami expression changed from fatigue, annoyance, and anger in quick succession, giving Yugi a quick look to remain where he was as he followed the maid, walking stiffly. When they had disappeared around a corner, Yugi unwilling found himself heading staring at the lock door, curiosity carrying him there, almost like he was enchanted. God he knew he wasn't supposed to go near that door if it was locked in such away, but he allowed a trembling hand to press lightly against the wooden surface. It swung open invitingly. It was with fear in his heart and a hesitant look on his face he walked into the dimly-lit room, half-expecting the door to close shut as punishment for his trespassing.

Much to his surprise, the room wasn't filled with numerous torture mechanisms, containing nothing but a desk, a black leather swiveling chair, and practically countless metal draws filled with manila folders. On the brown desk lay two discarded folders that stood out amongst all the scattered papers, drawing him closer as he took a small look, stopping when he caught sight of their labels. It was of him and Yami, each folder strained to their capacity limit of how much information they could contain. Yugi, utterly disturbed and frightened, couldn't but wonder who kept information about themselves, thus giving him enough motivation to look through the papers. One peculiar piece of information drew his attention more than the others, so he looked with terrified eyes and a quivering breath.

Yami Atemu:

Born: August 19, 1981

Blood Type: AB

-The patient has been administered into St. Michael Hospital for the mentally Ill. The patient has shown no signs of recovery. It has been decided to apply harsher treatment. (Report taken in September 28, 1995. Patient is age 12.)

-The patient has shown disturbing tendencies to harm himself. We have taken the measure of physically restraining him. (Report taken in July 12, 1997. Patient is age 14)

-The patient's mental state has decreased in stability. He has shown recurring tendencies to harm others. We have placed him in an in isolated environment. He continues to show no signs of recovery. (Report taken in November 18, 1999. Patient is age 16)

- The patient is beginning to show symptoms of…

"Wait here Mr. Takashi. The papers are in this room. Let me get them for you."

Encouraged by a numbing fear of being discovered, Yugi dropped the documents he was reading and dove underneath the desk that provided him a small space, standing in a crouched position, perspiration breaking across his face as he covered his mouth, stifling the sounds of his harsh breathing. Black-clad feet entered his line of sight as they stopped directly in front of him, the gravity of the situation increasing the desire to move and run like hell. Only his unreliable self-control stopped him for doing so out of self preservation.

"Please take your time Mr. Atemu. I'm in no hurry."

Horror in his eyes, Yugi felt himself slightly hit the desk from a momentarily lapse of unbalance, the pair of feet before him freezing on the spot, Yami resuming whatever he was doing seconds later. Yugi could only pray that the sound was smothered by the sound of rustling papers, his heart beating fast enough that he could possibly die from cardiac arrest.

"Mr. Atemu, are you ok? Just a second ago, you seemed a little-"

"I'm fine Mr. Takashi. I'm just a little," petrified amethyst met amused crimson as Yami crouched down to Yugi's eye level a rush of movement, chuckling darkly at the almost tangible fear pouring of the terror-stricken teenager, "…tense." Before Yugi could comprehend the impossibly fast movement due to his sudden petrifaction, Yami rose to his feet with an unidentifiable expression on his face, resuming the conversation with the curious-sounding man, leaving Yugi huddled alone and fearing for his life as he dared not run. He couldn't move, he couldn't breathe, but he would never forget how those eyes quietly promised something that froze Yugi's soul to its core.

A promise of pain, misfortune, and imprisonment…a punishment.

Yugi could hear the resounding clang of his cage shutting indefinitely, and he began to wonder should he sing, like the caged bird he was.


A/N: Did you like it? I'm eager to read your response to this chapter because this is the one I enjoyed writing the most so far. Now I'm tired...and need coffee...