Hello dear readers. This chapter took me some time to finish it considering the lack of free time. But, I'm glad I could have it up.

Thanks for the following reviewers.

The Man With Imagination.

Getsunohimesama: you'll understand why she is in the next couple of chapters.

Atem's lover.

Sapphiet.

Marikishtarlover.

Hana.

Startistica.

Shadow-fox313.

Fan.

Please enjoy..

Chapter 9

"I'm Sorry."

As we were heading to the hotel where the party was held, Atem drove the car and chatted with Jonouchi who sat next to him in the passenger seat. I was thankful for the fact that I was sitting back alone, while I ignored the meaningful glances I would get from Atem in the rear view mirror. I had my head resting on the window frame, the cold breeze hit my face blowing off my bangs as I closed my eyes to relish the good rest I could take before arriving to the party.

Deep down, something was telling me that it was a bad idea coming here all together. I mean how was I supposed to handle seeing Seto with another woman as they danced, kissed, and had fun while my heart would be boiling with anger?

I wanted to sooth my worries about Seto and focus on other things. For as much as I cared, he could decline the invitation and stay home. Why was I that worried?

Instead, I decided to pay attention to Jono and Atem's conversation that has started a while ago.

"As I said before Jono, don't try to do anything stupid." Atem told him, his eyes focused on the road.

"Heh, I told ya I wouldn't!" He responded with boredom.

"You know Jono, I don't trust you that much. You tend to do stupid stuff even when you say you wouldn't." Atem laughed at his own phrase and I just stared at him dumbly. Man this guy was unbelievable. Doesn't he trust anyone in this world?

"Hey hey! I said I wouldn't which means I wouldn't." Jono persisted and I had to laugh at the way his face looked like. It seemed so insulted and funny.

Atem's eyes turned a little bit more serious, as he gazed upon Jono forgetting about the road. "I know it's hard for you to see Shizuka with an obnoxious person like Seto but remember, she was the one that refused to come back. She wanted to have revenge from me so forget about her."

Oh.. I drooped my head down hopelessly. Seto is coming after all! Man, this night is going to be plain torture for me. But what did Atem mean by his words? Shizuka wanted to take revenge. What for? This person seems to have lots of enemies. And he says that Seto was obnoxious? Try looking in the mirror dude, you'll meet the winner of the obnoxiousness title!

Reaching our destination, my door was opened by the guards and I smiled tenderly to one of them offering his hand for me as he got me out. I walked like an idiot with these heels. It's not my fault, I wasn't used to wearing such high heels. Subconsciously, I reached for Atem's arm, holding him firmly as I let my weight on him in order to keep from falling. He gave me a dumb face, rolling his eyes.

"You're useless in all meanings of uselessness." He mumbled as I stuck my tongue at him with agitate. Jono who was sad throughout the ride finally drifted into a laughing fit.

The hotel was so luxurious, probably like a nine-star one and as we reached the 20th floor where the ball room was; the loud voices of stereos echoed in our heads, totally making me going deaf.

"I hate parties." Atem whined abruptly.

We went through the opened doors, blinded by the fierce lights everywhere and the loud music that could break your eardrums. A large number of people were inside enjoying the music, dancing, making out, drinking, eating and chatting. Seriously the sounds were too much annoying to bear. It was the first time I attend a party and it didn't seem like I'll try the experience again.

People were looking so aristocrats, eating so delicately and snobbishly, wearing such fancy clothes and acting as if they were kings of the world. Well, I was rich now, lots of people were starring my way and Jono explained to me that after the news have talked about me nonstop the past two days, I was more famous than the president!

I tried to avoid commotions for as much as I could, because I was unsure if I had enough energy or will to make small conversations with them. Or talk about grandpa.

Despite all that, It could have been okay with me, until my eyes fell on him. I gasped, seeing Seto holding her hand in his as they greeted the other guests with wide smiles, while I felt needles stabbing my heart as I moaned painfully and silently. She was beautiful with long reddish hair held up in a ponytail while some bangs scattered neatly on her face. She was wearing a long white dress and walking like a princess. Unlike me, she didn't need any support while she walked swiftly with the heels. I wanted to cry. I was even surprised when people couldn't hear my silent cries. This was torturing me beyond believe, why am I still in love with him while he had forgotten all about me?

Bitterly, I realized that I wasn't the only one suffering as I heard the heavy breathing of someone beside me, and I glanced seeing Jono clenching his teeth angrily as he watched the happy couple. Although I had no idea what the background story of theirs was, but I was sad at Jono's anger. Yet, I had this great pleasure that I wasn't the only one suffering. Ruthless it was, but still it almost eased my broken soul to have someone sharing my same pain. Kinda made life more of fair than any other time.

"Jono.." I held his elbow with a heartfelt glance, trying to make him see that our pain was even. "It's okay."

Jono gritted his teeth as Atem surprisingly placed a hand on his shoulder in an attempt to calm him down. I stared with awe at him. He does care about Jonouchi now, doesn't he?

I felt someone nudge me from behind and I turned around gasping when I saw Mai and Ryuji together dressed in fancy clothes.

"Hey hon."

I checked her up, smiling at how she looked. "Hey, you didn't say that you were invited."

"Well, Ryuji was and he offered to take me with him." She explained with a wink.

Jono almost jumped in front of us, pointing at Ryuji with anger. "So you basically said yes to dis gay with earrings and turned me down?"

I sweatdropped. Wasn't he sad at seeing his sister just seconds ago?

Crossing her arms to her chest, Mai snapped. "This gay you're talking about is MY cousin so watch it! Plus, he already has lots of girls drooling over him while you don't have a single one!"

I tried to separate the angry two as Atem who was just a watcher so far, approached us. "Relax Jono, she's just trying to defend him since he's her fuck buddy."

The atmosphere was all silent and gloomy despite the music and the crowds as Atem revealed the unfortunate news.

"Huuuuuuuh?" Jono and I gasped out grabbing almost everyone's attention as Mai had the biggest blush of all time. Ryuji ,however, was calm. Too calm for the matter.

"How dare you?!" Mai spatted, shaking from head toe, as Atem sneered.

"No need to try and hide it. I read your mind and I know the truth." He calmy said. I was so shocked remembering when I asked her if anything was happening with her and Ryuji and she was like he's not my type. But she was so mortified and I needed to stop this embarrassing scene.

"You guys please enough!" I spoke out in a loud voice, realizing that I grabbed Seto and Shizuka's attention. I felt my heart sink between my legs when our eyes met and I could barely contain my tears. Memories flooded my mind like a wave of fresh blood through my veins. His beautiful icy blue eyes melting into mine as he gave me a reproachful look.

Mai got out her mortify mode and followed my gaze, seeing me as I tensed up and sighing. The guys were surprised however and Ryuji started.

"What's wrong Anzu?"

I couldn't answer him, clenching my hands with upset. Mai started to explain, to my misfortune, every single detail as I went to bring a drink. As I glanced over at Mai as she finished telling the story, I could see Jono and Ruyji totally shocked. To my surprise, Atem had a blank expression as he stared at me. I could see gleam of surprise within his eyes, a slight spasm of anger passed in his amethyst pools.

Ignoring that, I poured some sake wanting so much to get drunk so I might forget all the pain swelling inside my heart.

"Anzu," Ryuji called, before I could drink anything. "How about we dance?"

"Um," I looked up at him, opening my mouth to object when Atem came, pushing Ryuji away from me, wearing an unaffected expression as he took the sake from me, having it in one sip.

"You're not eighteen yet." He remarked. I glared up at him, turning to pour another one when he span me around, pressing me against his chest. "Let's dance."

"I don't want to!" I retorted coldly. But he didn't care about my words as he dragged me to the center of the dancing floor, all lights focused on us as we were the only couple that wanted to dance.

"Stop this!"

"Don't you want to make him jealous?" He urged, raising an eyebrow with obvious interest. His arms surrounded my body as my hands rested unwillingly on his chest.

"I have no intention in teasing anyone." I muttered. "Plus, I've never danced!"

His smirk grew. "Don't worry."

The music of a slow song started and I felt so tensed up. Soon, I'll be the laughing stock of everyone in this room for being the lousiest dancer of all time. But I can't help it for this crazy creature brought me here against my will.

Yet, surprisingly enough, my feet ran smoothly on the dance floor. Too smoothly for someone that barely danced before. My stomach did flip flops as I felt everyone's stare on us and I clutched into Atem's shirt as he twirled me, holding my hand in his with affection. He had my back against his chest as he guided me, bringing me down with him as our faces were inches away. Giving me a weird magnetizing look, I couldn't break my eyes from him as he had a soft smile playing on his lips, before he rose me up, twirling me once more. His arm hanged loosely yet professionally around my waist, his other hand would rest on top of mine that was on his chest, or would tangle with her other half around my body. My breath was getting heavy, my heart was throbbing and my hands wobbling. Why did it feel so familiar? So beautifully acquaintance with me to be near him, dancing with him, looking so deeply into his eyes.

It made no sense..Also, thinking about our kiss yesterday. Why in the world was I acting like this with him? How could I kiss him while he raped me? Why do I seem to care for him? To fear for him? To be concerned in his life? He hurt me like no one else did. I can't forget that...no! I won't forget that!

When the song finished, lots of guests clapped for us and smiled making my cheeks flush in embarrassment. Atem, still holding me, dragged me away from the guys that were offering me to dance as I apologized to them. My friends were all amazed -well just Mai and Ryuiji- at my dancing moves and started to ask where I learned them, but I was amazed myself and I didn't have a clue. Jono however, remained calm and held a thumb up for Atem who ignored it.

Seto felt agitated, blood boiling inside his veins, ignoring Shizuka's constant pleads for a dance. He gave quick hatred glances to Anzu's group, biting on his lower lip to maintain his anger.

"That was some great show." A delicate voice came from behind me and I saw Jono and Atem stiffen at the sight while I turned around to be face to face with a pretty woman, looking in her thirties. She was dressed in white. Her long flowing dress clung to her curvy form. She wore a scarf over her head to hide her dark hair. Her ears, neck and wrists were adorned in gold jewelry. Her lovely brown eyes were skeptically observing me. Her skin slightly tanned and glowing. She didn't wear any makeup but she looked pretty.

"What are you doing here, Ishizu?" Atem asked her skeptically.

"You'd be surprised to know how rich people are infatuated with magic and future-telling." She explained with a gentle smile. "But who knew that you and Anzu could dance this beautifully."

"Huh?" I blinked feeling amazed. "How do you know my name?"

Ishizu remained calm as Jono's face became grimaced and I could see Atem turn his lips into a slight frown, giving the woman a scolding look.

"I'm a witch you can say. I could read people. I could see their past, present, and the future as well."

I was so startled, and I could see Atem rolling his eyes. "Really?"

"Well, partly." She told me, her eyes were mysterious.

"But there's no such thing!"

Jono patted my back, laughing. "So there are vampires but there aren't any witches!" He mocked me. Well, I was still adapting to the vampires thing so what now witches?

I wasn't able to talk to her more than this since Jonouchi took me away by Atem's order. He apparently had something to say to the fair lady, alone. I did not know why I had this churning sensation in my stomach and my heart beated fast as I watched from afar how Atem was whispering something to her.

"Who is this woman Jonouchi?" I asked lowly. Jono couldn't mistake the angry tone and chuckled softly, offering me a non-alcoholic drink.

"Don't worry Zu, Yami's all yours!" I lowerd my gaze to the glass, hiding my flushed like tomato face.

"Don't be an idiot!" I muttered.

"I'm sick of your brother, Ishizu." Atem started. "He sent his men at me couple of days ago to threaten me and almost killed Anzu. What the hell is he thinking?"

"He only wants to make you part of his team." She answered.

"What team? The we're-so-cool-for-killing-vampires team?"

Ishizu held back the smile, maintaining the serious expression. While Atem stared weirdly at her.

"Seriously Ishizu. He sent his men to attack me and they shot me with a silver bullet. I know where he hides so tell him that next time he tries to come close to me he'll be dead."

"But.." Ishizu's eyes were wide and a gleam of sadness filled them.

"I'm only keeping him alive because you've helped me a lot. But if Blood knew that I know where Marik is and that I'm covering up for him it's not going to be good. Remember that I need Blood to make me a full vampire. So, tell your stupid brother that I'm a vampire and that I can't join a team that kills vampires! Jeez, he's such a pain in the ass." He groaned.

"I'll make sure to deliver this to him. But please, don't hurt him." She pleaded with a soft look. Atem sighed heavily.

"Fine. Now go before Blood knows what we're talking about." He said, earning a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry. He can't break into my spell and hear us." Atem nodded, turning on his heels. "Wait!" He stopped, looking past his shoulder. "Watch out for your girl. She's being followed."

Atem rubbed his head tiredly. "It must be your stupid brother."

"Maybe. But there's another person watching her." She said. Waving his hand to her, Atem walked away, thinking of her talk while Ishizu watched him with a thoughtful face.

That girl is not normal. This aura that surrounds her is strange and not good. Could it be that she isn't a human? If so, this is really going to be crazy. I just hope my thoughts are wrong..Ishizu sighed inwardly.

"Hey buddy. What were you talking about with Ishizu?" Jono asked just when he bumped into Atem again.

"I just told her to keep her brother off." Jono nodded approvingly. "Where's Anzu?"

"She went to the restroom."

Just then, the lights went off. The entire building was dark and people started to shout when they heard the glass shattering.

"What's happening?" Jono frantically asked.

"Let's find Anzu!" Atem ordered. The two young vampires separated. It was a good thing they could see in darkness way better than humans. People were yelling and running like crazy as one of the vampires attacked a human and fed on his blood making the close humans shake with panic. Jono saw that and his eyes stirred with fear. I should find Shizuka! She's a human they might feed on her blood!

Atem went to the restrooms but Anzu was no where to be found. The extensive blood smell made it hard to concentrate on Anzu's smell. What the hell was going on? How did that vampire drink the human blood? They shouldn't make their presence so revealing. Who turn the lights off? It must be Blood's doing.

I went out the restroom after the lights went off, only to hear scared yells and strange roars. It was as if a wild animal was attacking the guests. Right next to me, a pretty woman hid behind her husband, or boyfriend I couldn't tell as what seemed like a human with sharp teeth -well a vampire was approaching them. My lips shook slightly in panic as I watched how the vampire grabbed the terrified woman from the man clearly wanting to drink her blood. Or even worse, raping her! I couldn't stay numb to this scene. The image of me getting raped by Atem some days ago flooded my mind and I searched the nearby tables for anything useful as I heard the woman yell desperately.

Seeing the vampire's teeth going through the woman's neck, a sharp gasp escaping her mouth, I took a hold of a crystal glass and threw it on the vampire. It hit his head, shattering as a small scar opened getting a few blood drops out.

Looking up, he stared with shock at me before he let go of the woman, throwing her carelessly on the floor as her man went to her side.

I glanced at the approaching vampire with a blank look, unable to think of something to do to get myself out of the matter in hand. My hand reached to get another sharp thing when the vampire launched at me, getting me on the floor as he held me from both my arms, looking down at me with an evil smirk.

"Such a bold action from such a nice smelling human. I've never smelled something like your blood." He muttered as I struggled to break free. His smell was suffocating me. It was all bloody and disgusting making my stomach flip with revulsion. My legs tried to kick high but the person against me was stronger and I had to admit, calculating the chances of getting him away from me were like zero.

But, in a fraction of a second, the vampire was thrown away from me as his yell echoed in the room when another vampire bit on his neck, before he broke it with a simple flick.

My eyes widened at the scene. Looks like I had to get used to the breaking-necks scenario. I couldn't tell who it was for it was too dark, and before the person reaches up to me, a fire started up in the room, getting more yells from the guests. I could feel the ground moving under me by the number of people running away and the heat and smell of smoke was pervading in the air and through my lungs as I coughed hard, my vision becoming blurry.

"Are you okay Anzu?" A familiar voice asked and it appeared that it came from the vampire in front of me. Kneeling down next to me, I couldn't have mistaken the smell of my beloved Seto as I sent him a baffled look, my lips parted with surprise.

"Seto... A vampire?" I stuttered, my mind felt fuzzy as I was trying so hard to keep my eyes opened as the smell went deeper into my breathing system, making me so dizzy.

"It's alright Anzu. You're safe with me." He assured, holding me up into his arms. I glanced up at him, seeing him smile softly.

"Let go of her Seto!" Another voice came out but I was too dizzy and too tired to even know the owner of the voice as I drifted into a deep unconsciousness.

~...~

"Oh my god! How are we supposed to tell her?" Someone yelled.

"Calm down Mai! You'll wake her up!"

"That fucking Marik is behind all this! How dare he send such message."

"I bought the phone just today. How in the world would he know Anzu's number?"

The voices were too familiar as I struggled in the darkness to get to them. Feeling my head so heavy.

"She's waking up!" Another voice exclaimed. Opening my eyes, I felt the lights piercing through them as I clenched them shut a little bit, then opened them slightly to see Jono, Atem, Mai and Otogi staring down at me with happy faces, well aside from Atem that is. Looking down, I realized I was still close to the hotel, seeing some smoke still getting off from the burnt building. I was happy seeing them all okay, as memories of the party flooded my mind. Then, remembering Seto, I freaked out.

"Where's Seto?!" I exclaimed, pushing Mai who came to examine me away. I saw Atem's jaw tighten from some reason as he looked away.

"Don't worry hun, he brought you out from the building and handed you to us, before he took his girlfriend from Jono and headed home." Mai told me. I lowered my head with disappointment remembering Shizuka again. But it hit me then, when I recalled the vampire he killed and how he fed on his blood.

"He's a vampire too, isn't he?" I asked, though I had no will to prove my theory right. Jono nodded to me as I nodded softly to him while Mai gasped at the sudden news before she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"There's something more important than this, Anzu." Mai started out.

I tilted my head up to look at her, reading the worry in her eyes. Ryuji came to sit beside me as he handed me my mobile phone. A sparkle of sadness beneath his eyes, giving me a sympathetic look. Their faces were sad and troubled all together and I had a gut wrenching feeling that I did not want to know what it was.

Taking the phone, my eyes skimmed through the message and I felt my heart shrink inside of my body with fear.

Dear Yami,

Your girlfriend's little friend is in my hands. I suggest you don't try to do anything stupid or else, little Ai will be dead the worst way possible.

Come to the warehouse, and be my ally. Let's defeat those vampires and make the earth a better, cleaner place for everyone. And don't think my sister can stop me, she has nothing to do with me, and I don't want to have any further connection with someone that sold out his entire species to become a vampire servant. Without further ado, come to the warehouse if this little girl interests you in any potential way.

You're one and only ally,

Marik

Panicked, I gazed up at Atem who stared emotionlessly at me with tears forming within my blue eyes. I held the phone dearly to my heart, letting the tears escape freely from my eyes as I recalled her cheerful face yesterday when I came to see her. She was so excited to see me again. Why did anyone think that he had the right to seize her happiness and turn it into plain pain?

Feeling like lashing out, I threw myself at Atem, hitting his chest with all my might, rage building up inside of me.

"This is all your fault! You're the reason she's there with Marik! He wants you that's why he kidnapped Ai! Go and save her god damn you! Why in the hell are you ruining my life like this? What have I done to deserve this from you?" I yelled at him, unable to know what to do other than hitting him, getting all my anger and frustration out on him.

My legs then bailed on me, as I fell down on my knees with him staring at me emotionlessly like ever. Jono came to raise me up, mumbling something about me calming down a little bit. But I couldn't.

"Why didn't you tell me you went to adopt that girl?" Atem asked. Apparently, has read Mai's mind and knew the whole thing about Ai.

"What does this matter now? She's fucking kidnapped!" I snapped at him.

"It matters because someone was apparently watching you from Marik's team and you helped him in this by your stupidity. I told you to let Jono take you anywhere you wanted!" He said coldly.

I covered my face with my hands since I hated to make him see me this weak. "Please help her Atem! You're the only one that could do that!" My hands muffled my voice but I knew he heard my every word.

My sobs were so violent that my whole body was vibrating; this was the first time I cried with this intensity. Never in my life have I felt this amount of sadness and fear; through my years in the orphanage I tried so hard to be responsible, to make a meager living and help my friends. I always tossed my emotions aside while trying to appear to be strong for my friends. Day after day I lost one of them, Mai, Mokuba, Seto and I continued to act strong and neglect my emotions so much that it was beginning to cause havoc on my senses. But the things that happened with me since I got out the orphanage were unbearable. I was weakening.. No, I was acting more humane. I was expressing my feelings for the first time in years.

Ai, she was innocent, this is my entire fault!

"What's wrong with you? Don't you have mercy! She's broken and you're giving lectures!" Mai yelled at Atem who had an annoyed expression written all over his face.

"Shut your fucking mouth bitch!" He howled.

"It's okay Mai. Let's focus on how to get Ai back." Ryuji spoke up, sending Atem a glare. "Where's that warehouse of Marik?"

Atem ignored the question, scanning Ryuji carefully with his eyes. Why in the hell I can't read his mind? He's not a vampire, he's a human, and I should be able to read humans' minds, well aside from Anzu. But I can't get into his mind for some reason, it's like there's a barrier blocking his mind.

Stare all you can Atem, you won't be able to read my mind no matter how much you try. It's all thanks to Marik's spell. Ryuji thought.

"Take Anzu home Jono, I'm through with her annoying crying." Atem ordered Jono who nodded in affirmative, instantly holding my arm but I shook him off with unusual strength.

"Hell no! I'm going with you!"

Atem sneered, shaking his head in mocking. "Take her away from my face Jonouchi!"

Again, Jonouchi obeyed, trying to drag me away while I screamed from the bottom of my lungs at him to let me go, struggling to push him away but with no use. He was way stronger and I was way too tired from my cries.

Letting Jono drag me with no resisting this time, I cast one last hopeful look at Atem and I felt like my eyes were pleading for him to get her back. He was my only hope anyways, and I ought to trust him no matter how much I hated him. As if he understood my glance, he gave me a quick nod, shutting his eyes.

~...~

The warehouse had more than the usual men to guard it. Marik knew that Atem would gradually come, and he had to make sure that he got everything under control. Giving a quick glance to the tied up girl, he smirked.

"Why are you glaring?" He mused.

Ai had her back against a column in the room, while robes were tied up firmly around her petit body and into the column to keep her from making any move. Her white dress was all dirty and slight stains of blood covered it, probably from her hands as she struggled to break free from the robes. Her face had dry stains of blood as well, from the beat ups she got from Marik. She was weak, fragile, and she hadn't eaten anything from yesterday while she was tied up in this exhausting position ever since then.

"Why do you have me here scumbag? What did I do?" She angrily asked, sniffing the tears back to keep herself strong somehow.

"You're a bait to get someone important." He answered with a smirk. "But he seems busy to come today, so let's have some fun together instead." He said, getting from his seat to reach where she was.

Cringing in panic, she shrank in her place, as if she could get away from him if she did so. Smirking in response, Marik knelt down next to her, gazing upon her blood stained hands from the struggles and how it spread on the robes loosening them a little bit.

"Wow! You have some strength here little kid. I'm impressed." He observed. "I could use you to practice a spell." He thought, gesturing for his men to free her. The men obeyed, starting to loosen the robes to get her out, when her dress was tangled in the slit column, causing them to grab the girl and ending in the dress getting cut.

Ai gasped sharply, her eyes widening with disbelief. Her mother's gift was destroyed! Dry tears prickled from her eyes as she groaned slightly, giving Marik the deadliest glare of all time.

"You fucking creature!" She mumbled, remembering Leen's favorite word that Anzu forbade her to say, it must be bad, that's why Anzu didn't tell her what it meant. But sure, it was good enough to describe this creature.

Marik's eyes twitched with anger as he rose his hand, mumbling some words before Ai was abruptly raised from the floor, floating like a feather in air as she shrieked with unbearable pain. She felt as if her ribs were ripped off one by one. Blood trickled from her mouth as she grasped her body, shutting her eyes tight upon feeling her eyeballs being grabbed out, if that was even possible.

"Mooooooooommy!" Ai shrieked.

"Stop this you fucking person!" Came the angst yell of Atem, turning all the eyes on him as Ai looked back with the remaining strength within her. Her arms reached out slowly to the man that yelled. She had not seen him before, but her heart flew out to him, yearning for his help, tears flew from her eyes freely, while she silently begged for him to save her. Atem watched in absolute terror how life was being drained from the little girl and his hands clenched into fists.

How she shrieked helplessly, made a sick sensation creep up within his spine, dozens of bad memories started to drift into his mind as he remembered Yugi, yelling with pain the day he died. He could see it right there, playing like a nonstop video right in front of his eyes, sickening him to the last point, bringing angry growls out of him.

"Atem kill me! Kill me and make me rest!"

Snapping his eyes opened, remembering the words from his only brother, how he spoke them with constant yells, blood poured down his body just like Ai was now. And he could only stare at him in uselessness.

The last shreds of patience snapped. Just by remembering those..disgusting...heart-aching memories. He was in the mood of rampage; Atem jumped and tackled Marik to the ground, causing Ai to fall on the ground as well. His eyes held such intense hate towards this person under him as he punched his face countlessly roaring like an animal. Marik pushed him away, chanting something quickly making Atem groan and hold his head in pain.

"Yami, I want you to work with me. Those vampires are killing innocent people and we should get rid of them!" He reluctantly confided.

Atem groaned with pain, holding his head in his hands to stop the incredible ache he felt. It felt like bricks being dropping down nonstop, since it was hurting so bad. "You fucking piece of shit, you already are killing innocent people!"

"Those are random people that need to be sacrificed in order to save the world." He tried to reason but Atem gritted his teeth angrily.

"This is nonsense! I'm not fucking working with you so leave me alone!" He snarled, getting absolutely sick by this person.

"Why do you care that much about becoming a full vampire?" He growled at him, clearly losing his patience.

"This is not your damn business!" He snapped back, realizing that the spell worn off as he got up from the floor slowly feeling dizzy. Looking past his shoulder, he remembered the girl and as soon as his eyes landed on her lifeless figure on the floor, he gasped inwardly.

"Mommy..Anzu.." He could hear her faint whispers, along with her barely heard breath and heartbeats.

Reaching forward to her, he examined her bruises and cuts, seeing how a pool of blood gathered around her mouth and how her white dress was covered with blood, turning into reddish. Her blood scent was alluring, yet it made him feel sick at the same time. There was no way that this girl will survive.

Ai gazed upon him, more like through him, with a look past her age, a small smile playing on her small lips. "You're mommy's boyfriend right?" She inquired innocently. Atem's eyes were dull, lifeless and emotionless as usual as he watched the little girl reach with her hands. "Would you please tell her not to get mad with me for ruining the dress. I really tried to keep it clean but..." Her voice cracked at the end as tears streamed down her cheeks.

He found himself filled with hate towards Marik. But, before he knew it, a huge wind blew in his way, almost making him fly away. Subconsciously, he reached for the little girl, holding her firmly in his arms, her blood colliding with his white shirt smearing it, as he hopped up, trying to use his full speed to get out of the warehouse, knowing that Marik definitely used one of his spells to cause this strange wind.

Looking up after the wind stopped, he found himself away from the warehouse, somewhere in the woods. Realizing when he gazed at his arms that the girl's vital signs stopped, he stared with unreadable look at the dead girl. No one could understand what he had on his mind, or what feelings were soaring inside of him. Eating on the inside of his cheek, he growled like a monster causing the animals to hide in their homes.

This all happened because I let that bastard escape before. I should have killed him long ago when I got the chance... This one mistake I'll be paying much for.

As he shut his eyes, his mind drifted back to Anzu; when she sees Ai in this state she will be devastated. Vaguely, he wondered if he should take her home to make Anzu see her for the last time, or just leave her here considering she's already dead.

Well, it can't be helped. He had to bring her back with him, so sighing in frustration, he made his way back home, wondering what will happen next.

"I'm sorry..Anzu," he stammered gloomily.

~...~

Wow! I need a serious massage to ease the soar in my neck. I totally worn my body off tonight. But it was worth it, this chapter was deep enough to fit my likings. Though, it's your opinions that matter, so be sure to tell me what you thought of this chapter.