Jaazi: Chapter Ten is up and running! (sniffles) Got a cold though…so my brain's not really working with me too well.
DJ: (eye roll) But she's too stubborn to lay back and get some much needed rest. (mimics in whiny tone) 'But I need to update some stories' or 'Let me type just one more page'…
KK: Anyway, much thankies to our reviewers! Kikyo's Killer, Puffin, Phantom Fox, Chelley Angel, Taikai ni za Kokoro, Reesescupprincess, Hakudoshi-chan, HikaruNoJingoku, Kalimoto, Sirithiliel, Vampirehelsing, LunaBakura-chan, Demonluvr, Dodo-chan, Baada, Ria, Princess Nefertari, None, Ying Jagansama, Cat Paws, Chibikuro Rose-sama, Super-sugarzoom, Ryou's Twin Sister, Noroi-Inu, Princess Kathleen, Underground Ninja, Ch3rryphr34k, Carmen-Nemrac, The Chaotic Ones, Hono Ookami, Sapphire Blade, Amethystcrystal231, Chi-chan Lurks, AngelKelley17, xxOne Winged Thiefxx, Bakura'sLoyalServant, Handmaiden of Foamy, Dreaming of Everything.
Damian: Now, go on and enjoy the new chapter.
Disclaimer: If I owned Yugioh, well, let's just say that it wouldn't be fit for children…
Previously
The voice stopped. This slave-boy could make the voice stop…Bakura wasn't letting go, not now or ever. This boy didn't treat him as a monster. He wasn't letting him go, ever.
Chapter Ten: Tour of the Kingdom
Bakura's mind woke up before his body did. Bakura was currently debating whether he wanted to open his eyes and get the day started or stay in his warmer-than-usual bed and sleep the day away. He opted for the second option as he buried his nose into something soft and silky. He let out a sigh of happiness at the scent of vanilla and mint.
Vanilla and mint?
Bakura's eyes snapped open. In an almost fearful manner, he let his crimson-tinted eyes trail to what he previously thought was a captive pillow in his arms. His nose was buried in milk-white silky strands of hair while his arms were wrapped around a small, lithe body.
Just then, said body shifted slightly. A moan of contentment slipped passed rosy lips and fluttering eyelids with long thick lashes revealed sleep-clouded jade eyes. Bakura felt his entire body tense when the aforementioned hazy eyes landed on Bakura. Bakura became uncomfortably aware of his possessive grip on the boy.
"What now, genius?" his mind provided sarcastically. He noticed that Ryou's pale face developed a rosy tint.
"Um, g-good morning, Master…" Ryou stuttered embarrassedly. Bakura felt his own face heat up. Where the hell did his uncaring composure run off to? Since when could a Mortal slave do something like this to the Prince of Demons?
"…we should get up," Bakura said gruffly, attempting to regain whatever composure he had left, "The tour's today, and…yeah, the tour with Mariku is going to take awhile."
A hesitant smile formed on Ryou's lips. He was afraid his Master would've been upset like last time. He really didn't think he could stand it if his Master stopped speaking to him again. Just the thought of it filled him with sadness.
"Okay, Master," Ryou chirped, except he didn't move.
It's not that he didn't want to. Okay, no, he didn't really want to move but there was another reason why he didn't. Bakura watched curiously as Ryou's light pink face turned to a darker shade of pink.
"Erm, Master?" Ryou started timidly.
"Hm?" Bakura replied in a slightly dazed tone. His eyes were busy taking in the image of perfection that is Ryou.
"What!" Bakura's mind screamed at him once he ran over what he had thought a couple times.
"Y-Your arms…I-I can't move. Could you l-let go?" Ryou whispered shyly. Bakura all but leapt off of bed, his face heating up uncomfortably.
"What in the name of all that is unholy is wrong with me! I'm acting like some Demon-child! No, worse! A Demon-child courting it's mate!' Bakura's mind shrieked. Bakura took in several deep breaths, attempting to calm himself.
Ryou watched curiously as his Master was trying to compose himself. Master was acting very odd…Ryou hoped he wasn't ill. Ryou's eye widened with worry.
"Master? Are you feeling well?" Ryou asked, concern lacing his melodic voice. Bakura resisted the urge to purr at the sound. He scowled at himself. A courting Demon-child indeed!
"Yes, I'm fine. Hurry up and get ready, I've got to go meet someone," Bakura said gruffly, thankfully managing to keep himself from stuttering. He changed into some of his usual dark clothing and nearly fled the room. Ryou was left behind to blink confusedly at the doors that had been slammed shut.
Bakura stormed into a rather large room. It had some bookshelves, a desk, paper, writing utensils, and several other research-y type things that Bakura hated and avoided with a passion. A Demon with cold navy eyes looked up from his paper and paused in his writing.
"Kaiba, what did you do to me?" Bakura snapped. Kaiba gazed at him calmly.
"I'm afraid I don't understand what you are asking," Kaiba said smugly. Bakura scowled.
"You're the only one strong enough to cast a spell on me and you know it. I demand to know what you did!" Bakura ordered.
"Hey, I didn't know you were a sorcerer," another voice spoke up. Bakura's glare was turned to the one who interrupted and was momentarily speechless.
"…why is there an Angel in your study?" Bakura managed to grate out.
"That is none of your concern. And, yes, pup, I am a sorcerer. How else would I have been able to put those Shadow binds on you? Now, Bakura, would you care to tell me exactly why you are here?" Kaiba replied. The blonde Angel let out a growl.
"I am here so that you can undo whatever you did to me!" Bakura replied angrily.
"What makes you think I did something to you?" Kaiba asked smoothly.
"Because! There's no other reason why I'd be feeling any sort of attraction to anyone, much less my Ryou!" Bakura yelled. At Kaiba's smirk, Bakura felt his jaw drop. He did not just say what he thought he said to Kaiba of all people!
"An attraction to your slave, you say? Isn't he a Mortal? My, my, how the mighty have fallen," Kaiba chuckled darkly. The Angel reacted quite differently at Bakura's outburst, though.
"What did you do to Ryou?" the Angel demanded, "If you hurt him, I swear I'll-" the Angel cut himself off.
"What do you care?" Bakura snarled, "How do you know my slave, anyway?"
The Angel stubbornly refused to answer. Bakura rolled his eyes, the Angel was of no importance to him anyhow. He turned to the smugly smirking Kaiba.
"Not a word to anyone of this. In fact, it never happened, got it? Otherwise I'll have you executed in the slowest, most painful way imaginable," Bakura threatened before storming out of the room. There were a few minutes of silence.
"Is he always so…" the Angel started.
"Neurotic? Yes, he is. Stop speaking to us like you're our equal. Remember, here you are nothing but a lowly Angel and you must show the proper respect to your superiors," Kaiba snapped.
"Which are whom? Demons, bah, you guys are heartless monsters, you don't deserve any respect!" Joey spat back.
He flinched when he felt the Shadow bonds around him tighten with just a glance from Kaiba. Kaiba stood from his desk and walked over to one of his many bookcases. Skimming through it, he started picking out certain volumes.
"Now, what is wrong with our beloved Heir of Demons?" Kaiba murmured to himself as he started a long day of research. Who knows, the sorcerer might find some useful leverage against the Heir.
Ryou sat in a random chair in the great hall. He idly swung his legs back and forth, humming slight tune. He was dressed in his normal white clothing except it was a bit fancier. One of the servant girls who had helped dress him explained that this clothing would mark him as the Heir's personal slave, therefore not to be touched or harmed in any way.
His shirt was made of white silk. It had long sleeves that hung loosely around his shoulders, barely concealing them. The flowing sleeves covered his palms slightly, the cuffs hung about four inches from his wrist. The thin silk shirt was wrapped around him in a manner that clung to the boy's small frame but was not too tight to be constricting. The neckline, cuffs, and hem of the silk shirt was lined in silver.
The boy was wearing a pair of silver-white pants that ended neatly at his mid-calf. It had short two inch slits on each side. The hems were lined with a darker shade of silver that matched his dark silver slippers that fit on his dainty feet. The servant girl had teasingly commented on Ryou's feminine looks. The servant girl had also woven silver ribbons into his white hair.
Ryou was startled out of his musings when he heard someone enter the great hall. He glanced up hopefully, expecting to see his Master. He was met by the sight of Lord Mariku. Ryou got off the chair and quickly kneeled before the Lord.
"Hello, mini-Kura," Mariku said cheerfully, "Where is my Baku?"
Ryou ducked his head, giving him a nervous bow, before replying, "Hello, m'Lord. M-Master should be arriving soon, h-he had some business to attend to."
Mariku pouted and he sat down in the seat Ryou had been sitting on before, leaving Ryou to sit on the floor beside him. Ryou fidgeted anxiously, hoping his Master would arrive soon as he had said he would. Ryou fiddled with the collar around his neck that he was apparently required to wear. It actually had a tag on it with his Master's name on it.
Ryou's prayers were answered when Bakura stepped into the hall, scowling in a flustered manner. Bakura's scowl deepened when he saw Mariku's ecstatic expression. But when he saw Ryou…he felt his jaw go slack at Ryou's shy smile. And he stared…and stared some more. He probably would've kept staring if it hadn't been for Mariku's sudden hug/tackle.
"Baku! I missed you so much. His Majesty says that you're going to show me our future kingdom! Pretty-Baku, I'm so excited, let's go now. We get to spend the whole day together!" Mariku exclaimed gleefully. Bakura growled and attempted to pry the psychotic blonde of off him. Both were too preoccupied to notice Ryou's saddened expression.
"Marik, get off me this instant," Bakura snarled and shoved Mariku away. He stormed off, Ryou following a step behind as a proper slave should, while Mariku attached himself once again on his arm.
Outside, Bakura's carriage was waiting. Bakura clambered into the carriage simultaneously detaching himself from his persistent husband-to-be. Bakura sighed in relief when Ryou settled at his side. He relished the warmth that he felt where there shoulders brushed together.
Mariku pouted. Why should the slave be able to sit next to his Baku? Mariku's pout soon turned into a smile when he pulled a surprised Ryou away and took his place. Ryou settled for sitting on the seat facing Mariku. Bakura's eyes narrowed angrily but he remained silent.
"Around the kingdom," Bakura barked at the driver. With a snap of the reigns, they were soon off.
Three hours later, Bakura was ready to take a knife to the throat and end his misery. The only reason he didn't was because that would mean leaving Ryou alone with Mariku and his wandering hands. Bakura nearly let out a loud growl at the thought. Nobody could touch Ryou but him or they suffer the consequences.
Unfortunately for his jealousy, Mariku and Ryou were getting along rather well. Mariku chattered on about nothing while Ryou giggled and smiled at the appropriate places. Mariku even went so far as to touch Ryou's hair! And Ryou seemed to enjoy it, too! His eyes would close somewhat and Bakura could've sworn he heard the boy purr. Bakura's fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles were white.
"And there's the royal bakery and over there is the tailor," Bakura said through clenched teeth, motioning to a couple building to the left. Mariku looked out the window to get a better look.
"Very nice, Baku. Our land is very wealthy, isn't it? We will make sure it prospers even more than it is now," Mariku cooed. Bakura's eyebrow spasmed as he nodded stiffly. Motioning to the right he continued.
"There's the Fountain of Tears. Legend has it that it was created by the tears of Angel and completely indestructible. It was made to give Mortals hope that they would one day be freed from us and harmony will reign again amongst the three of us. Apparently, it's supposed to prove that no matter how destructive we are, we cannot break the purity or strength of an Angel. Bah," Bakura muttered disdainfully.
Ryou stared in awe at the fountain. The fountain was made of crystal varying from shades of pure white to metallic blue to silver-gray. The fountain had an Angel of pure white crystal. It's wings were spread out to their fullest. At the Angel's side was a Demon made of silver-gray crystal, and its wings were also spread. Between them stood a mortal of metallic pale blue crystal. All three had water pouring from their eyes that trailed down their bodies and pooling at their feet.
"I see it has caught little min-Baku's attention," Mariku said wryly.
"What, does the Mortal expect to be freed from me by an Angel?" Bakura sneered, his bad mood getting the better of him. Mariku laughed at the suggestion and for once Bakura gave him a smirk instead of a scowl.
"Forget it, boy. Angels are despicable creatures who hide in their clouds all day," Bakura spat, "Besides, it'd take more than an army of Angels to take what's mine."
Ryou felt himself blush with shame. His eyes were downcast and he hunched over slightly so that his hair could hide his face. Bakura felt a sharp pang of remorse but refused to take back his words. Ryou, on the other hand, was wondering why his Master's comments about Angels were affecting him so much.
A sudden purr distracted them both from their thoughts. They each turned to Mariku. Mariku seemed to be in a state of pure bliss. His half-lidded eyes were hazy and his lips formed a dreamy smile.
"Um, m'Lord? Are you alright?" Ryou asked timidly. Bakura poked Mariku roughly in an attempt to get him out of his daze.
"Marik, if you die on me, I'll never hear the end of it from Yami," Bakura said harshly.
"Do…do you smell that?" Mariku purred. Bakura and Ryou glanced at each other curiously. Bakura took a good whiff of air and stared at Mariku oddly.
"No," Bakura replied shortly.
"Mmm," Mariku said blissfully.
"Well, what's it smell like?" Ryou asked Mariku patiently.
"Cinnamon…yummy, luscious, spicy cinnamon and…lovely, tasty, smooth chocolate," Mariku hummed happily.
"We just passed the bakery, you idiot, of course you'd smell those things," Bakura muttered darkly.
"Master, wouldn't we be able to smell it, too?" Ryou pointed out. Bakura just shrugged irritably. Mariku suddenly snapped out of his daze.
"Turn here!" he demanded the driver.
The driver obeyed more out of surprise than anything else. The turn was sharp, which sent the three of them sprawled against the side of the carriage. Bakura managed to catch Ryou so that his landing wasn't as rough as his own. Mariku sniffed the air a few more times.
"Stop here," Mariku commanded excitedly.
Again, the driver obeyed. The second the driver stopped, Mariku bolted out of the carriage. Bakura followed a tad more slowly, helping Ryou out of the carriage as he did so, though he didn't notice the faint blush that appeared on Ryou's face when he did.
"Master, where is m'Lord going?" Ryou asked in a hushed tone.
"Following his nose, apparently," Bakura replied, watching Mariku walk about, his cape flaring behind him dramatically.
Finally, Mariku stopped in front of a very familiar building. Ryou's jade eyes widened when he realized just where they were. Bakura also recognized the building and smirked slightly at the memory of it. Someone angrily stomped out of the building.
"What's all the noise about?" the person demanded. He had silky pale blonde hair and lavender eyes lined with dark thick lashes. He froze when he saw Ryou.
"R-Ryou?" he choked out. Ryou beamed but stayed in his place beside his Master.
Mariku approached the newcomer quickly. With a extravagant swish of his black cape, he gave a low bow and took the person's tanned-skin hand. His eyes gleamed with eagerness. He placed a kiss on his fingertips.
"Hello, I am Mariku, Lord of the Western Lands. Would you please be kind enough to grace me with your name, lovely one?" Mariku asked in the most civilized and elegant manner that any have ever heard from him. The person, however, wasn't impressed. He waved him off and approached Ryou.
"Are you okay? Have you been treated well? His Highness hasn't tried hurting you, has he?" the newcomer demanded. He was suddenly two inches away from Ryou his hands grasping his shoulders tightly. A growl was the only warning before the blonde was shoved five feet away from Ryou.
"Keep your hands off my slave, Malik," Bakura spat. He was caught by surprise when he found himself suddenly shoved also. By Mariku…who was glaring quite fiercely at him, too.
"Don't touch…Malik," Mariku said the name in such a delightful tone, Bakura was beginning to suspect that Mariku was taking some sort of drug. Mariku turned to Malik and enthusiastically helped him back to his feet.
"Are you hurt, Malik-lovely? Do you need help?" Mariku cooed. Malik batted him away.
"Stay away from me, you Demon. I don't care if you are the Lord of whatever lands, you have no right to touch me! I demand to be allowed to speak with Ryou this instant!" Malik shouted angrily. Bakura narrowed his eyes at Malik while Mariku threw Ryou a very jealous look. Ryou looked at Bakura pleadingly. Bakura was learning that Ryou's pretty jade eyes could make him do anything.
"Do you want to go talk to him or what?" he asked gruffly.
"Would you l-let me? I wouldn't want to disobey you or any-" Ryou stumbled excitedly over his words before Bakura cut him off.
"Just, go an get it over with," Bakura snapped, dragging Mariku away by his cape. Ryou couldn't help himself, he gave Bakura a grateful hug without thinking before running towards Malik. Bakura stiffened in shock and watched Ryou run to Malik.
"Malik, I've missed you so much!" Ryou all but squealed, hugging him tightly. Malik returned the hug with delight.
"You're well?" he asked.
"Oh, yes. Master is very kind to me. He lets me go out with Miss Mai. She bought me some books and candy. Master even let me share his bed!" Ryou replied happily. Malik's eyes widened and he choked. He let go of Ryou and stalked up to Bakura who was trying to keep Mariku in line. Bakura watched Malik confusedly until Malik landed a punch on his face.
"Malik!" Ryou said in shock.
"You perverted bastard!" Malik shrieked, "How dare you bed Ryou? You disgusting piece of slime! You thought yourself worthy of having Ryou in that way?" he ranted, continuously hitting him with his fists.
"What the hell? You psychotic freak! What are you talking about?" Bakura shouted back, trying to shield himself from Malik's furious fists. Malik would've continued if Ryou hadn't suddenly thrown himself in between them, shielding Bakura from Malik. Bakura looked at Ryou.
"What did you tell him?" he asked in quavering voice, trying to withhold his temper.
"I-I just…I told him that you treated me well and that Miss Mai treats me well, and that you were kind enough to share your bed with me," Ryou replied innocently. Bakura felt his face starting to heat up again at the implications of the 'share your bed' Ryou had stated oh-so-innocently.
"You scum!" Malik snarled and tried to lunge at Bakura again, but a pair of strong bronzed arms encircled him from behind.
"Let me go! I'm gonna kill him!" Malik raged.
"No you are not," Bakura snapped, "I haven't lain with the boy!"
'Not for lack of wanting,' a little voice in the back of Bakura's mind whispered impishly. Bakura shut that little voice out as quickly as possible. He did not like what it had started to suggest or, to put it more accurately, he did not like the fact that he did not dislike what it had suggested.
"Why are you hitting Master?" Ryou asked, his eyes saddening, "He hasn't harmed me."
"You said he shared his bed with you," Malik replied hesitantly. Ryou blinked.
"Yes. He said that my cot didn't look too comfortable and that his bed was big enough for both of us. Master is very kind. My cot was cold and rough, his bed was comfy," Ryou chirped. Malik blushed slightly and coughed into his hand.
"Ah, well, I thought you meant something else…" he trailed off.
"What else could I have meant?" Ryou asked curiously.
"Nothing," Bakura replied quickly, "He was just confused, ignore him…Marik, what are you doing?"
Malik had completely forgotten about the arms that had restrained him. Now, though, he was uncomfortably aware of the muscular, deliciously tanned arms that pulled him flush against a firmly built chest. He also became highly away of someone sniffing his hair and nuzzling him. Malik stiffened.
"…spicy yummy…chocolate, cinnamon, tasty-tasty," the man murmured.
"You freak! Unhand me, pervert!" Malik protested, squirming in Mariku's arms. Mariku chuckled and cuddled him even more eagerly.
"You're soft, too. Nice voice, so pretty too. You smell delicious," Mariku hummed happily. Ryou giggled.
"I think m'Lord likes you, Malik," he said shyly. Malik blushed and his struggle increased tenfold. None of them noticed the envious glances Bakura was sending the two tanned blondes or the longing ones he sent a certain white-haired slave.
TBC
Jaazi: Whew (coughs) that took forever. Feeling slightly better, for those who care. All I'm left with is a slightly scratchy throat. Hope you liked the update.
Damian: Yes, she worked on it when she should've been resting (reprimanding glare)
Jaazi: (sheepish) Sorry?
KK: I bet some reviews would make Jaazi feel much better!
DJ: For any nimrods out there, that means REVIEW NOW! (gets smacked by Jaazi)
Jaazi: Be nice. (cough)