Jaazi: Eek! I love my reviewers! Fear of Falling, Kikyou-sama, Hakudoshi-chan, T. Lei, xShatteredSoulx, Punkergirl-Aira, Pork Steak the Grande, Princess Nefertari, Nuroi-Inu, Carmen-Nemrac, Lady Samurai, SoraAndTsukasa, Kittie, Dartz'LoyalServant, I am a Catlover, DemonicMistress Kree-kun, LunaBakura-Chan, Shortstory-Writer.

xShatteredSoulsx: (grins) You weren't the only one, trust me…I have a vivid imagination also. How else would I be able to write stories?

Punkergirl-Aira: I purposely left that out. I wanted my readers to come up with that themselves. I personally imagined looking like Ryou and Bakura only with darker hair and skin.

Jaazi: (bows) I got a lot of compliments on the paintings! Thank you! I really liked the paintings too. If I had any artistic abilities I'd draw them for you guys, but…well, I'm better at writing fanfics than drawing, to say the least.

Disclaimer: I do not own Yugioh…if I did, I can assure you I'd be the happiest person in the world! Not to mention, I'd probably have cash to spare…

Previously

He turned to watch his Demon Master. He watched him for quite some time, he was the sight that Ryou last saw before he finally fell asleep.

Chapter Four: King of Demons and Mortals

Ryou woke at the crack of dawn. Ever since he can remember, he would wake up at dawn. Granted, he couldn't remember much, but from what he does remember, this is his usual wake up time. He walked over to where his Master was sleeping. His Master looked rather…handsome. Bakura had somehow managed to lose his pajama top sometime during the night. Ryou resisted the urge to reach out and trace his Master's muscled abdomen. Instead, he called out his Master's name, in hopes of waking him up.

"Master Bakura? Master Bakura, it's time to wake up," Ryou said softly, "Master Bakura, you have to go meet His Majesty today, remember? Please wake up, Master," Ryou reached out to shake Bakura's shoulder.

As soon as he made skin contact with his Master, Bakura leapt out of bed, flipped Ryou around and pulled him close. Ryou's back was pressed against Bakura's heaving chest. Ryou would have enjoyed being in this position with Bakura if it weren't for one tiny, little detail. At Ryou's throat, was a dagger, a very well-cared for sharp dagger. The dagger at his throat was being held by his dear Master Bakura.

"Master Bakura!" Ryou squeaked.

Bakura blinked and looked down at a mop of white tame hair. Before he could help himself, he buried his nose into Ryou's hair. It was so silky and soft, Bakura nearly groaned in pleasure, but restrained himself at the last moment. Ryou smelled so nice…like vanilla and mint. Bakura shook himself and pushed Ryou. Ryou landed on the floor as Bakura sheathed his dagger.

"What in the name of all that is corrupt and tainted did you think you were doing?" Bakura snarled. Ryou whimpered and pressed himself against the wall at Bakura's tone.

"I-I'm sorry! I…Master, you told me to wake you up, I didn't know you disliked being touched. I won't do it again, Master, I promise," Ryou whispered. Bakura glared at him.

"You had better not. Hurry up and get dressed. Then go to the kitchens and get me some breakfast," he ordered.

He turned to get some clothing on. Ryou noticed something on the back of Bakura's neck, right where the neck connected to the shoulders. A symbol of some sort, in black and blood red. Before Ryou could get a closer look, Bakura's hair covered it again. Ryou sat at his cot waiting for Bakura to tell him to do something.

To his surprise, Bakura dropped back into his four-poster bed. He was all dressed and ready to leave, but instead of leaving, he laid back down in bed as if to sleep longer. Ryou blinked confusedly, wasn't Bakura supposed to meet the King of Demons? Bakura lay on his side, watching Ryou's bewildered expression. How cute, Bakura thought sardonically, ignoring the little voice in his head that completely agreed with him, minus the sarcasm.

"Master? W-weren't you s-supposed to meet…?" Ryou stuttered nervously. The way those red eyes were watching him was making him uncomfortable. Ryou blushed under Bakura's scrutiny.

"Yes, but I'm waiting for the breakfast I asked for," Bakura gave him a devilish smirk.

Ryou's eyes widened and he let out a small 'meep!' then scurried out of the room. He could've sworn he heard Bakura let out a dark chuckle, but he could've been imagining it.

Ryou wandered around the castle's halls. He had forgotten to ask where the kitchens were and now he was hopelessly lost. Thankfully, he and Bakura had woken up very early, around four-o'-clock Mortal time, so, even if Ryou didn't find the kitchens right away, they wouldn't be late to meet the King.

Ryou was keeping close to the castle's cold stone walls, watching the different paintings. Demons might be evil and cruel, but they have amazing artistic talents. Ryou was distracted from his search for the kitchens by a particularly gruesome painting.

It depicted a dark-winged Demon, the same Demon from the two other paintings in Bakura's room, with an Angel, the same Angel from the other paintings previously mentioned. Only this one, the Demon was clutching on to the limp Angel in his arms. Down the Angel's pale throat was silver-streaked blood dribbling down from a wound. The Demon's mouth was attached to the Angel's bleeding neck. The Demon drank in the blood greedily, blissfully. The Angel didn't seem to put up a struggle, instead gave itself willingly to the hungry Demon(1). Again, Ryou felt a certain connection with the Angel for reasons he couldn't comprehend.

Ryou was about to reach out and touch the painting when someone called out his name. Well, not his name, but he knew the person was referring to him.

"What's a cute little Mortal like you doing up at this ungodly hour, hm?" Mai asked playfully. Ryou whirled around to face her.

"Oh! Good morning, madam," Ryou said politely, bowing slightly. Mai laughed, cheerfully ruffling Ryou's soft white hair.

"You're such a sweetie! Just call me Mai, madam makes me feel old. And there's no need to bow to me," she said kindly. Ryou blushed again. Mai might be a bit loud, but she was very friendly. Ryou decided that Mai was a good person.

"Alright…Mai," Ryou let the name roll off his tongue, trying to get used to it.

"So, dear little Ryou, what are doing here so early in the morning?" Mai asked pleasantly.

"W-well, I had to wake Master Bakura this morning and he wanted some breakfast, but I…I kinda forgot where the kitchens were located," Ryou blushed embarrassedly. Mai blinked back in shock.

"You WHAT? Do you have a death wish? No one wakes Prince Bakura without getting seriously injured! Damn him and his blasted paranoia. Are you hurt? Bleeding? Bruised? Anything?" Mai asked, frantically searching Ryou for any injuries. She growled under her breath, "If he hurt you I'm going to castrate him!"

"What!" Ryou squeaked nervously, "I'm fine, Mai. Honestly! Could you please tell me where the kitchens are? Master Bakura's going to be upset I took so long already. And please don't hurt him, he didn't harm me, honest!"

Mai grumbled, "I'm surprised you aren't dead. C'mon, cutie, I'll show you to the kitchens. I'm getting hungry anyway."

Ryou and Mai strolled down a few halls to the kitchens. They chatted amiably like old friends. Upon reaching the kitchens, Mai helped Ryou pick out the food for Bakura, on account that 'that moody old grouch of a Demon might flay you alive if you even breathe wrong'. Ryou held back a laugh. Apparently Mai held as high regards of Bakura as Bakura did of Mai. They parted once they reached the Bakura's tower.

After saying goodbye to Mai, Ryou made his way quickly up the cold stone steps. The coldness of the stone seeped through his thin leather slippers. He held the tray tightly so that it wouldn't slip out of his grasp. He nudged the door open to find Bakura sprawled on his bed, glaring at the canopy of his bed.

"It's about damn time! I sent you out an hour ago!" Bakura growled as he snatched the tray from Ryou. He settled down on his bed once again and began to eat. Ryou sat on his cot, watching his Master eat. Bakura ate about half of what Ryou got him when he pushed the tray towards Ryou.

"I don't want anymore. Enjoy," he said sarcastically. He had meant it to be insulting, but Ryou beamed at him.

"Thank you Master," he said appreciatively. He promptly began eating his Master's leftovers. Bakura raised an eyebrow at the happy boy that was eating before him.

It was customary that personal slaves, such as Ryou, to eat their masters' leftover food. Normally, a newly made slave would put up a fight or show some sort of rebelliousness and be insulted by the fact that they couldn't even have their own meals, but Ryou…he didn't seem to mind at all.

He might've known Ryou for barely a day but…Ryou didn't appear to be the kind of person who'd be spiteful and pessimistic. He seemed to be more of a person who'd look at life as a glass half-full instead of half-empty. Actually, Bakura didn't know that much about his new Mortal slave, and, despite his apathetic nature, he was curious.

"Ryou…tell me about yourself." Bakura said suddenly. Ryou looked up from his breakfast and blinked cutely at his Master.

"Master?" he asked. Bakura let out a mock upset sigh.

"I'm bored, so entertain me by telling me about yourself," Bakura explained patiently. Why he was being so patient when he would've normally just kill the boy for his slowness was beyond him.

"Okay, but I really don't know much about myself either," Ryou whispered self-consciously. Now it was Bakura's turn to blink confusedly.

"What is that supposed to mean, slave?" Bakura emphasized the word slave. Just in case the boy was lying to him, he was giving him the chance to tell him the truth.

"I-I…I can't remember much about me. In fact, the only thing I actually know about myself is my name. Malik found me in the alleyway next to his poorhouse, he took me in and took care of me. I only remember what's happened to me the past month, ever since Malik found me," Ryou explained. Bakura's eyes narrowed suspiciously, either he was telling the truth or Ryou is a very good actor.

"Very well…then tell me what you do remember," Bakura said, still not fully believing his slave. Ryou's eyes glimmered with joy.

"I had so much fun at the poorhouse. Malik always looked out for me and told me what to watch out for. He was always so nice! If I ever had nightmares, he would comfort me," Ryou said with adoration. For some reason, Bakura felt the sudden urge to go tear off Malik's head. Ryou was oblivious to Bakura's murderous mood, however.

"And then there was Serenity. She's an orphan and she would follow me around everywhere! She sort of adopted me as her big brother. She's so sweet and kind. She looked up to me. It was cute," Ryou giggled happily.

"I didn't ask to know about your 'family' I asked to know about you," Bakura said irritably.

He didn't know why he was feeling so annoyed, but he didn't like it. Or Malik and Serenity, for some reason. Ryou looked confused for a moment. He then fidgeted a little, looking uncomfortable. Bakura's intense gaze was making Ryou nervous. Part of Ryou liked having Bakura's attention all centered on him, but another part of him was afraid that he'd say something wrong and Bakura would end up not liking him.

"Well…I'm not sure what to say about myself," Ryou said timidly. Bakura rolled his eyes.

"Most people would say what they like and don't like," Bakura growled impatiently.

"Oh! I love to look after children. I used to help Malik with the children all the time. I also love gardening. Malik would always get me new seeds and plants for my garden whenever he could. That was very nice of him, considering they cost a lot of money, which is something we never had enough of. Malik says I'm a good cook, too. I don't mind cooking, it's like a hobby for me. I can sew and weave. I once made this blanket for Serenity, she liked it so much she nearly cried," Ryou said happily.

"So basically, you're all set up to be the perfect little housewife," Bakura snorted derisively.

Inwardly, Bakura was throwing a fit. Again with the Malik and Serenity! Satan below(2), couldn't this boy talk of anything else? Ryou had some strange hobbies, too. Such girly hobbies. Add that to the fact that he looks like a girl…Bakura shook his head in disbelief. Bakura lifted himself out of bed and glared to his slave.

"Come. We're going to meet Yami…the worst King of Demons there's ever been," Bakura muttered. Ryou tilted his head to the side, apparently Bakura wasn't too fond of his king.

In the large and comfortably furnished common room of the castle, Yami was patiently waiting for his Heir. Patiently? Yami scoffed. He was nothing near patient, at least when it came to his Heir, he wasn't. Yami had chosen his Heir carefully, and he refused to go soft on him. After all, the King of Demons and Mortals had to cruel, cold-hearted, and sadistic, otherwise he would never be able to rule over them properly.

The reason he had chosen Bakura for his Heir in the first place had not been because he liked Bakura. He absolutely loathed him. He chose Bakura because he was strong, stubborn, and sadistic. He was also selfish, territorial, and possessive. In short, Bakura was excellent king material.

King Yami sighed. Although he didn't look it, he was getting old. Demons can stop their aging from continuing at whatever age they want. The same is said for the Angels. King Yami had chosen to stop his aging to appear seventeen (in Mortal years), but in reality he was over five thousand years old (Mortal years). If he hadn't chosen an Heir, he would've been overthrown. His people wanted to be ruled by someone young with a cunning mind. Someone like Bakura.

King Yami glanced at the clock, once again and growled. His Heir was late…again. Just as he was about to order a servant to fetch Bakura, the large wooden doors slammed open. Yami didn't have to look up to know it was Bakura. His aura was very unique, always so…temperamental.

Yami finally opened his eyes to see his Heir. He took in the scene calmly. Bakura wore his typical black leather coat, along with the usual black silk shirt and jeans. All in all, a commoner's scruffy appearance. Yami resisted the urge to yell at Bakura for his defiant way of dressing. However, a sudden gasp from behind Bakura, stopped him.

The gasp had come from Ryou. As soon as the frail boy set eyes on the King he felt as though he saw a flash of a memory in his mind's eye. A boy, slighter shorter than him, with tri-colored hair, a cherubic face and wide, brilliant eyes. The image flashed in his mind and disappeared as suddenly as it came. Ryou blinked in confusion as he watched the King of Demons rise from his seat to greet the Heir.

"Bakura…you're late," Yami stated coldly.

Bakura grunted in response as he sat himself in an empty chair facing Yami. A servant came forth and set some tea and crumpets. Bakura scowled at the food and drink set before him.

"What is this? A fucking tea party?" Bakura spat angrily. Yami glared at him.

"I'll ignore that rude and highly improper comment. We have more important matters to discuss," Yami said icily.

Ryou sat quietly next to Bakura, legs folded beneath him. He as a slave, an inferior, had to sit on the floor next to Bakura's chair. Ryou's eyes glazed over in thought. He pondered over the image that he saw or remembered. Where had he seen that violet-eyed boy? Ryou frowned and he absentmindedly laid his head down onto Bakura's leg, his eyes drooping tiredly. Ryou hazily heard snippets of their conversation.

"…conquering the Angels' Realm…"

"Army is twice it's size than before…"

"yeah, with pathetic Mortals!"

Bakura, being the good little Heir that he was, threw in his own sarcastic, cynical comments here and there, throughout Yami's lecture. Bakura didn't react when Ryou rested his head on his lap, but he did notice what Ryou did. Bakura didn't want to draw attention to his new slave. He was feeling oddly protective of Ryou, for some reason, and he didn't want Yami to see him. Instead, Bakura remembered how soft and silky Ryou's hair felt. He then idly began running his fingers through Ryou's soft silvery-white tresses, relishing the velvety feeling it brought to his fingertips.

Ryou was half asleep, vaguely noticing someone petting his hair. It felt so nice. Ryou sleepily nuzzled against Bakura and purred softly. Ryou was now fully asleep, still purring contentedly. Bakura quirked an eyebrow at the purring boy. His eyes widened when he noticed Yami had stopped lecturing and was eyeing Ryou with interest.

"Well, well, well, who do we have here?" Yami hummed seductively. "He is rather pretty isn't he?" He asked lustfully.

"He's my new slave. Mine, so keep your hands off of him," Bakura growled menacingly. Yami raised a questioning eyebrow.

"So protective? Over a mere Mortal, no less. Why, Bakura?" Yami asked in that annoying superior tone of his.

"He's…he's my property, I've always been protective over what's mine," Bakura said confidently. Yami, though, caught a hint of doubt in his voice.

"He is attractive. Perhaps you'd let me borrow your new pleasure-slave sometime?" Yami asked.

He was curious to how his Heir would react to the request. Not surprisingly, Bakura practically foamed at the mouth, his garnet eyes flashing angrily. He even went so far as to bare his fangs at Yami. Yami knew that, had it been anyone else, Bakura would have kept a mask of indifference or killed the questioner in a blink of an eye. But Yami always seemed to drive him off the deep end and he got the brunt of Bakura's angry emotions constantly.

"No! Firstly, he's not a pleasure-slave. Secondly, I do not ever share what is mine, and thirdly, why would I share with you of all people?" Bakura spat, seething in anger.

During Bakura's angry tirade, Ryou shifted into semi-consciousness. His Master was upset he sleepily noted. He then heard someone murmur something softly, but coldly, and Ryou suddenly found himself on the hard, cold floor, Bakura standing over him. Bakura's gaze, however, was on the King.

"I'VE GOT TO WHAT?" Bakura screeched.

TBC

(1) There! Another pretty...and gory-ish...painting! Hope you like!

(2) I got this curse thing from Ryuujitsu's fic, Faust. It might not be exactly the same, since I haven't read the fic in awhile, but it's not mine. It's Ryuujitsu's, okay? On a side note, I highly recommend Faust, it is an awesome tendershipping fic!

Jaazi: Don't kill me! I'm sorry for the cliffy but…I thought it might be fun to make it a surprise for the next chapter! (ducks behind DJ) Don't hurt me!

DJ: Tch, if you wanted to be unharmed, why are you torturing them? (eye roll)

Jaazi: (sighs) I know…

KK: (cheerfully) Weeeeell, if you want to know what happens next, you must…REVIEW!