Prrrvve..I'd like to apologize to all my readers for the longer then usual break between chapters! I was a bit uninspired with this chapter because it's one of those annoying 'filler' chapters. Meaning it's just a way to fill the space between the previous chapter, and the next chapter where something relevant actually happens.
Also, this chapter is a..well..you'll see. Anyways, REALLY sorry! I promise to try and update more often grrrf! This chapter is basiaclly full of Bakura-angst, and the introduction of the first actual action-plot XD!
Disclaimer: I only own the plot =/
When stressed, people tended to seek out a 'comfort zone'. Somewhere they could be alone - metaphorically, of course, because technically it was impossible to ever be truly alone what with insects and bacteria and other such things. But nevertheless they would search out a place where they were isolated from the mass majority, hopefully a place that was soothing and relaxing. Which, despite what most people would say, was usually really fucking difficult. After all, everywhere that was peaceful was already inhabited because it was peaceful.
Which, of course, is why the moon made his own. Practically stalking into the midst of a massive forest, he gave the slightest tilt of his head - and all trees within a six foot radius of him were de rooted and relocated elsewhere. Calmly he set about replacing the debris several miles down with the faintest mental command, then walked in a circle, tracing an invisible line with his toe. Once he had redlined the zone, the ground sank down to create a deep ditch, which was quickly filled up with water.
A quick test with his ankle deemed it the perfect temperature and so with a satisfied sigh Bakura dismissed his clothes and sank into the newly created hot spring made just for him. After all, this was his comfort zone - everyone else could very well go find their own.
Well, except for the three listeners he had brought with him almost unintentionally. Folding his arms on the side of the pool he propped his chin on them, grinning at the three plants sitting a short distance away; what could he say? The moon liked talking to plants - they wouldn't, couldn't share secrets, always listened, and didn't make out with each other and forget he was there.
A little annoyed by the spiteful thought he shook it off with a roll of his shoulders. "You know guys-" A pause at an indignant ruffle of leaves, and he smirked, "And girl, of course, Rebecca." He added respectfully to the bush, voice only holding the slightest hint of warning for her to remember her place. In response the greenery shrunk back slightly and he snickered, shaking his head.
"Mm, as I was saying...Love is strange, isn't it? Not that you three would know much about love...well, minus you Tristan. Yeah, I saw the way you checked out Serenity. I dunno though, a shrub and a sprite..that'd be interesting.." Realizing with a start he was getting off track and dutifully ignoring the fact that Tristan was doing a shrub 'blush'.
"Anyway's. Being plants, I imagine you three aren't familiar with..." He hesitated slightly, rubbing his tongue against the roof of his mouth before sighing. "..Heartache. Or lust, or puppy love...Speaking of which, the Northern Light was totally checking out the Mist's ass a couple days ago. Naturally fat-head didn't even notice. One day I really need to give that jerk a good hard kick. Yes Espa, I realize I'm getting off topic, thank you for pointing it out to the rest of the class."
Rolling his eyes he ran a hand through his hair. "It's just weird how it works out. Malik and Ryou just...fell together so perfectly. I guess they've known each other since they were twinklets, so it's only natural for them to be close. But they didn't even hesitate today. I just gave them a small push and they...just fit. No hesitation, no insecurities...Meanwhile, the poor Dusk is head-over-heels in love and the Dawn's oblivious as hell. Jees, can you get any blinder? Yes this has a point Rebecca, stop interrupting me."
Bakura let his chin rest on the grass, hair floating around him on top the water. Blowing his bangs from his eyes he grunted, recollecting his thoughts before continuing. "Malik and Ryou fit like puzzle pieces, Yami is hopelessly in love with Yugi who's way to innocent to notice, Joey's in love with Kaiba who's far to much of a prick to care, and I'm...in love with someone who would sooner rip my heart out and feed it to me then return the sentiment. No, it's true; you all know it. I know it to."
Eyes half-lidded and slightly glazed over the moon gazed at seemingly nothing, feet lazily kicking behind him to keep him afloat, even if it was unnecessary considering he could weigh nothing if he willed it. But he liked the feeling of swimming.
"Me, Yami, and Joey are all kind of in the same boat aren't we? No we're not actually in a boat Espa, obviously. It's a metaphor. What's a metaphor? Well, it's a..non-plant thing. Never mind. It basically means we're all experiencing something vaguely similar. All three of us are in love with people who won't have us. Except maybe Yami, but even if Yugi does want him he's probably to pure to even notice."
"Me and the Dusk are two of four. We're the highest beings in existence, we could have anyone we fucking want...and we both fell in love with our opposite numbers." A bitter laugh escaped his throat and he closed his eyes, shoulders shaking slightly - wether from repressed sorrow or hysteria was unsure. "I've heard love is bittersweet...though I've yet to experience the sweet part of it."
The area was plunged into silence, because suddenly he found himself at a loss for words. Stomach clenching uncomfortably the moon buried his face in his arms, finally giving into the stress and frustration that had been his constant companion.
Of everyone and everything in the world, only three got to watch as the moon let go and cried - and they were three who could never tell.
....
It took three hours, but finally the sobs came to a shuddering stop. Sides heaving underneath the warm water Bakura struggled to regain his composure, only slightly embarrassed at breaking down in front of his three newest companions - they were plants, it's not like they could go around telling anyone what they saw. Somewhere along the lines he had stopped moving his feet, simply floating because not even water dared try to drag the blue hair down. It knew it's place.
Wiping furiously at his stinging eyes the moon inhaled shakily, giving a tired nod in response to Tristan's enquiry. "Yeah, yeah. 'M fine. Yes, really. All three of you, stop worrying. I'm fine." Growling softly he hoisted himself out of the water, re summoning his clothes. Already a soothing calmness was sweeping in; he'd cried himself dry, finding himself now empty of tears and of the disappointment that had been gnawing uncomfortably in his stomach for the past while.
Reaching out, he dismissed the pond. Or tried to. It took several moments for his mind to clue into the fact nothing had fucking happened. Eyes narrowing, he repeated the command. Still nothing.
Unease swept in like a tornado. "What the fuck..?" He whispered, ignoring the concerned mutters from the three. Narrowing his eyes he mentally screamed the order - the water remained unmoved. Throat clenching uncomfortably the blue hair pushed himself to his feet, shaking slightly. Something was wrong - something was very, very, very fucking wrong! Eyes flashing around the area, his breathing picked up slightly.
Everything was suddenly cold. Not literally, of course - the world was still sheering hot as the sun wasn't done his time, but Bakura suddenly found he was freezing. Numbness swept in, and he had no idea if it was actually because he was cold or because fear was beginning to spread throughout his body.
Reaching out almost desperatly now he tried to make the trees, the grass, anything bend to his will. Nothing. Fucking. Happened. That's where he realized he couldn't hear the three plants anymore. They were still there, but he couldn't hear them.
"Espa!? Tristan!? Rebecca!?" He asked sharply, and recieved no responce. Goosebumps spread across his body, blood chilling as horror began to seep in. No; no.
Panic was now present. Breathing harshly he backed up against a tree, pressing his back against it, arms curling up against his chest as if to sheild himself. Suddenly it all made sence - and he wish it didn't. How could it have snuck up on him like this!? To much had been happening; he'd lost track of everything. Fuck, he didn't even know where he was anymore! He needed to get to Ryou and Malik, needed to find the Dusk and the Dawn.
Swallowing hard he closed his eyes tightly, body shaking as he realized all his powers had deserted him, and he was forced to face the sickening truth.
The day of the Lunar Eclipse had arrived once again. And he was completely unprepared.
Clifffffyyy! Yeah, that's why I was hesitant to upload this. -_- Gods I hate cliffhangers, cuz I hate upsetting my readers and I know from experience cliffhangers are piss-offs. Remember though! Guilt makes me type faster XD!
Everything will be explained in the chapter to come =3 Promise~
And where'd Marik go?....Sh, it's a secret!
R&R! -runs-