AN: Miss me? ;)

Back to regular updates!


Smoke.

That was the first thing told Bakura that something was wrong.

He snapped his eyes wide, racing outside. The village rested in the mountains, idyllic in its hermitage away from the world. The folks there seldom stuck their nose where it didn't belong, preferring to keep to themselves. Even in the cold, the fresh breeze that burned the lungs always rejuvenated the soul.

So Bakura felt terror when smog blocked out the blue skies. He watched in horror as flames of unnatural causes engulfed the village. Families raced away, panicked in their attempt to escape the fire only to be drive down by spears and swords. The chaos blinded Bakura, unsure what would kill him first.

"Bakura!" A woman called his name, he turned blindly around, unable to find the source of the voice. She sounded familiar somehow, like he knew her and for that reason, her voice scared him more. "Bakura, run! They are out for blood! Run!"

Bakura should have insisted on staying, but his fear was greater than his courage. He wanted to race and find the woman who insisted on his escape. He wanted to fight off the invaders that were burning down this town. He wanted to douse the flames and rebuild this pitiful home from the ash and mire.

Yet his legs led him forward, blindly, racing away from the shack he called home.

A soldier halted his pitiful attempt of escaping, jeering and driving him back. Bakura realized that his chances of survival depended on getting past these men or being burned alive. Just as he gathered the bravery to do so, he watched in stunned horror as a soldier chased down a young girl, no older than eight, and drove his lance into her throat.

Bakura could see the soldier coming for him next. He could feel the heat of the flames licking up and threatening to consume him as well. But he fell to his knees, broken, watching the little girl collapse, dead before she hit the ground.

Bakura screamed, deciding death had to be preferable than living. He waited for his body to burn or be torn asunder. Better he be dead than live in this world.

Bakura shot up, heart racing, taking a desperate breath. His hands searched around, feeling the blankets swaddled around him. It took a moment for his sight to adjust in the darkness as he slowly gathered himself. He was at the inn. In a town just outside of Modina far too similar to his home.

It had been a dream. Or rather a nightmare.

Bakura didn't have dreams anymore. His memories haunted him, reminding him that he remained while the rest died. That he shouldn't be alive and yet he still was. And he couldn't live in comfort or luxury no matter what he did to atone for his family. Even if he brought them justice, it wouldn't bring them back.

Bakura let out an unsteady breath, curling into himself. It was easy to talk big and tear down the system, but Bakura was reminded why he didn't like to be alone nor why he stayed long in any place. He couldn't let any place feel welcoming. The moment he did, the nightmares returned and Bakura couldn't live with himself.

Funnily enough, the only reason he had been able to stay in Modina for as long as he had was because of Marik. Bakura hadn't realize that until just recently. But it didn't do him much good on the road now.

Bakura sighed, dropping his arms down and swinging his legs off the side of the bed. He couldn't stay here. It would take longer and it would be more difficult to traverse, but Bakura couldn't stay in the village any longer. The idea of staying anywhere and accept such hospitality made him shudder. Bakura had survived on his own before and he didn't need any inn for such basic needs.

Camping out in the wilderness was preferable to hearing his mother's last words.

Bakura grabbed his bag, leaving the door ajar as he stole into the night.


Jounouchi leaned over the edge, looking down at the streets below. Even though it was midday, the market was relatively quiet. The Sennen had a larger presence in this district, warehouses below serving as their storehouse. All items ranging from weapons to food to furs, the storage building that had once served this country's military now aided and served the enemy.

It was a fool's mission to think they could reclaim it. But then again, Jounouchi had done a lot of foolish things in recent times. And since Seto decided that it was time to be aggressive while they still had momentum, there was no time like the present.

Jounouchi looked over to a parallel ledge, where Honda sat poised. Not far from his side stood Mai, her eyes carefully surveying the territory below. Those two would keep guard from above, maintaining air control. Since they were fighting against mages and necromancers, it was important that they controlled the situation as much as possible. The number of mages in the Resistance was still rather measly at best.

Outside of Seto, Mana and Mokuba, there were no magicians of great importance that could turn the tides. Seto refused to let Mokuba engage the enemy, reluctant to let his brother plunge into danger blindly after only just recently rescuing him. Seto's role as leader had his time divided between managing the army and planning for the larger assault against the palace.

Frankly, Seto and Mana were stretched, their work to protect the warriors a constant strain. Jounouchi knew they needed more mages to turn the tide, but for what they had, they were making a stand all the same. With the arrival of the Harpys Ladies a few days prior, it was time to make full use of their new allies.

The last few days preparing for this raid had been exhausting. Immense preparations had been required before the mercenaries arrived, and more than that, Jounouchi tried to follow up on a lead about his sister's whereabouts. Sad to say, she was not there and the place she once called home was converted into lodging for the Sennen, thanks to some damn scalper.

The simple solution of where she could have been now gone, Jounouchi didn't know where to search next. But that problem would have to be solved later.

Footsteps coming up the stairs told him of Otogi's arrival. Jounouchi turned as Otogi drew near. "Are we ready?"

"The archer squad is set in place. Ground team is free to move. Once Mana gets up a barrier, we'll begun with the cascade and let them do the heavy work for us out here." Otogi spun a knife between his fingers, looking down at the crowd. "The risky part will be once we're in the warehouse."

"We'll cross that bridge when we get there. You have the flare?"

Otogi grunted, pulling out the bundle. "Sure do. We better get into position."

Jounouchi nodded, following after Otogi. The abandoned apartment had served as an excellent vantage point during set-up. Jounouchi kept a hand on the hilt of his sword. He hadn't needed much of an upgrade what with his previous occupation as a soldier. Still, Jounouchi decided to grab a shield, which he now strapped onto his left forearm.

"Don't you want something bigger than a sword?" Jounouchi asked, noticing how Otogi brandished two daggers.

Otogi snorted, a smirk on his face. "I prefer to get into close quarters. Most fighters aren't prepared for that."

Jounouchi rolled his eyes. "Your funeral."

Otogi ignored the jape, the two of them pausing by the doorframe. They both peeked outside, noticing how the soldiers outnumbered the citizens milling about. This would make Mai and Honda's jobs easier for what needed to happen.

The seconds dragged on, Jounouchi growing restless while waiting for Mai to make the call. They had to be diligent, needing to clear out as many of the guards posted before they could properly retaliate. Once they shot off their first volley, Jounouchi and Otogi would need to make a quick sweep of the area for before seizing the entrance of the warehouse.

Jounouchi noticed how Otogi stopped fiddling with his knives, now nervously bit his lip. He pulled his gloves tight, fidgeting in place as they waited for the signal. Jounouchi took some comfort in knowing it wasn't just him that got antsy over waiting for results.

The moment flashed by so quickly that Jounouchi nearly missed. A single arrow darted out, followed by a dozen more quickly finding their marks. The effect was instantaneous, all thirteen of the targets dead on contact. The shopkeepers didn't need any more reason to close up shop while the townsfolks started to flee in panic, unwilling to join the bloodshed.

Jounouchi didn't need to look at Otogi to know it was time. He darted out of the doorway, his companion close at his heels. The few soldiers that remained raced back to the warehouse, trying to get backup for the assault. It was their job to make sure they didn't make it there.

Jounouchi zoned in one mage who remained standing trying to provide cover for his fellow soldiers. He could feel the air tingle as the mage casted lightning about. Jounouchi knew the real threat lied beyond him, where the necromancers would raise the dead and outnumber them quickly. But as the volts nearly missed him, Jounouchi didn't want to waste time dancing around this mage.

The mage sent out a powerful blast towards the rooftop where a barrage of arrows had come from. Mana's barrier kicked in, a translucent shield absorbing the shock and deflecting it back wildly. Jounouchi swore as he dove out of the way, not wanting to get electrocuted. Necromancers be damned, the mage had to go.

Before Jounouchi could get back on his feet, Otogi raced forward, ignoring the electricity running wild. Jounouchi tried to yell out, warning his companion of the danger, but he was too far off. The mage raised his hand, the spell circle glowing on his hand.

With a speed that stunned Jounouchi, Otogi darted forward, knife slashing the circle. The electric vibe that hung in the air immediately vanished with the circle gone. The mage wheeled his hand back, taken back by the sudden advancement. Otogi wouldn't let him take another step, his second dagger cutting a red ribbon into his throat.

Jounouchi watched as the mage collapsed, life stolen away. Otogi turned back, giving him a smirk. "Doing okay back there, buttercup?"

Jounouchi chuckled, shaking his head. Why he doubted Otogi was beyond him. The man clearly knew what he was doing. The Harpys Ladies cleared out the rest of the mage, leaving the area vacant aside from the ground crew. He looked up to the rooftops, squinting against the sunlight.

"We better move. Let's secure the entrance," Jounouchi ordered, though it was really Otogi who led this mission. Despite his daring and successful earlier plan, Otogi was still his superior officer.

If Otogi had an issue with Jounouchi's order, he didn't say anything. There were eight of them that moved to the heavy wooden door, waiting as Mai's guild moved into position to cover them as best as they could. They couldn't tarry for long. The guards will notice something is wrong and would call for backup.

Jounouchi waited for Otogi's signal, slamming against the door as he shoved it open. He lead the charge, catching the few mages standing by off guard. The battle was quick and one-sided, three corpses the evidence of their work. They quickly secured the area, knowing that time was limited.

Otogi stood by the door, whistle in hand as he called for their b-team to follow up. Jounouchi watched the door leading to the hallway, sword in hand, the back-up team starting to steal the supplies back. From weaponry to food and clothing, everything that was in sight was up for grabs. It was their job to give them as much time as possible to do so.

Jounouchi heard muffled footsteps, rushing forward as he hid next to the door. His instincts proved him right, the door swinging open as two mages ran out. Jounouchi darted forward, plunging his sword into the back of the first magician. He let out a silent gasp before falling to his knees.

Jounouchi yanked his sword free, spinning in time so that the tip of sword sent a spray of blood flying from the neck of the other mage. He took in a deep breath, listening for any potential reinforcements. He glanced over to Otogi, who gave him a sharp look. "We don't have much time."

Otogi nodded. "Then let's wrap up before we start taking losses."

Otogi turned back to get their men mobile. They had done a fairly decent job plundering the storage house and there was no point in losing all they had stolen back. What resources they took would serve not only the Resistance, but the people of this city who were robbed and made subservient to their subjugators.

Jounouchi watched the last two men move the last of the crates, lowering his sword as he sensed the danger now passing. This proved fatal, the sound of creaking wood informing him a moment too late. Jounouchi turned heels, watching a mage race forward, runes glowing.

Jounouchi swore, both hands gripping the sword, diving forward. "Everybody get back!"

Sparks flicked off the rune, Jounouchi twisting as he threw his weight forward. He could feel the heat lick against his ear. Even as his sword found his mark, the explosion of heat behind him sent him flying into the mage. Even after he was dead, the flames spread quickly, consuming the dried wood and everything else in its tracks.

Jounouchi rolled off the corpse, dazed for a moment as he stared up at the burning ceiling. The danger of the moment didn't set in, the sudden change in his landscape still unreal. What had been a collection of stored food and clothing now served as tinder for the growing flames. Jounouchi turned his head to the side, noticing several of the Sennen trying to escape through the hallway that Jounouchi had been guarding.

A sudden burst of energy swelled in him when he recognized one of the faces.

Jounouchi rolled forward, gripping the sword still plunged into the chest of the mage, standing like a pillar. He staggered to his feet, the heat making everything hazy. He could have sworn he heard someone calling his name, but the sound was muted. Instead, Jounouchi had more important problems to take care of.

Jounouchi turned and raced down the hallway, the fire much closer in the narrow corridor. He caught the tail of the cape of his escaping target. Based on his slower pace, Jounouchi suspected the man didn't expect anyone to follow him, much less attack him with the threat of the impending flames.

Jounouchi barely took any satisfaction in this as he caught up to the man, slamming him against the brittle wall. It threatened to give way, yet still remained firm, not yet devoured by the fires.

Jounouchi pulled out a dagger, pressing it against his throat. The man flinched. "Wait! Don't!"

Jounouchi kept his hand steady, ignoring the sweat that stung his eyes. "You said your name was Keith, right? Remember me, asshole?"

Keith squinted, panic and confusion still disorienting him. After a moment, he shook his head. "I thought they killed you."

"And they would've, no thanks to you. Word is you've been buying up properties from people being run ragged by the Sennen for pennies and renovating those places to serve the Sennen for a profitable amount. Fucking over these people even more than your run-of-the-mill mage here."

"How else do you make a living in these shitty times?" Keith snapped, though leaned back as he felt the blade touch his throat again.

"I don't give a damn about your money problems. What I care about is that shelter you drove into bankruptcy before buying and driving out all the residents in the far western quarters. The home for folks with liabilities."

"… Why the fuck does that matter?"

Jounouchi narrowed his eyes. "I have a little sister who was living there. I ran to go fetch her only to find that she had been driven to the streets and was nowhere to be seen! What did you do to her? Where is she?"

"I don't know who you're talking about!"

"Shizuka!" Jounouchi swallowed the hard lump in his throat that suddenly appeared. The smoke burned, making his eyes water. "She's still just a kid! Chestnut hair! Hazel eyes! Wore yellow ribbons in her hair! Had a guide to help her move about because of her failing sight! What did you do to her?!"

Keith shook his head desperately. "I have no idea! I don't know who the fuck I kicked out! Why would I care?"

"Don't lie to me!"

"I'm not fucking lying! They weren't my problem anymore! I figured they would move to a clinic. The matron of the home mentioned something of that when they left-"

"What clinic?" Jounouchi decided to ignore Keith's choice of words. He made it sound as if it had been a fair trade and not him driving unfortunate folks into greater danger.

Keith flicked his eyes about nervously, seemingly less unsettled by the knife and more about the burning carnage about them. "I- I can't remember- I'm serious! I don't remember the name… but they mentioned something about an orphanage there too. Maybe a children's hospital o-"

A loud crack above them had both men craning their heads up sharply. Jounouchi's eyes widened as the beam turned kindled bended unnaturally to the weight. Sparks showered them as the support finally gave way and the second story came crashing down atop of them.

Jounouchi was certain he would be buried alive. He waited for the burn, even as he tried to dive away from the wreckage descending. And although he skidded across the ground, the searing burn never came. He searched wildly, confused at how the rubble seemed to miss him and unsure as to how that happen.

"Jounouchi! What the hell are you doing?" A high-pitched voice rattled Jounouchi as he scrambled to his feet.

"Mana?"

"You idiot!" She screamed, sweat beading down her forehead. A light glow from her palm extended outward, Jounouchi realizing the shield that had protected him from his death. "Otogi thought you went and killed yourself! We need to get out of here!"

Jounouchi snapped his head around, searching for Keith. He couldn't see him anywhere, though he didn't hold out much hope that the man survived. Regardless, the flames continued to grow and the smoke would soon asphyxiate them both if they lingered. Not even Mana's shield could keep the haze out of his vision.

Jounouchi staggered forward, leaning around the rubble as he drew closer to the mage. She reached out a free hand, panting as she struggled to maintain the shield. Jounouchi realized that the greater danger came from exhausting his companion. A rush of energy consumed him, adrenaline pumping. Jounouchi snatched Mana's hand and raced forward, near dragging her out with him.

They didn't have a moment to catch their breath once they were outside of the building. A sharp hiss in the air told Jounouchi of the impending attack faster than he could see it. He yanked Mana with him, rounding the corner of the alleyway where several mages had already found them.

Despite their exhaustion and how painful it was to breathe, they kept running to keep the distance between them and the enemy. Jounouchi noticed arrows flying from above, the Harpys Ladies trying to cover their escape at great risk. They succeeded in taking down one mage, but that meant little as familiar moans filled the air.

"Damn it!" Mana huffed, her movements sluggish. "I was afraid they'd do something like that!"

Jounouchi turned back, pulling Mana behind him, though she stumbled. She swayed in her spot for a moment, glancing back at the undead that filled the corridor. Their odds of surviving just decreased. Still, that didn't mean Jounouchi was about to give up. Mana slowed them down, her eyes becoming hazy from using too much magic trying to protect them earlier and the pursuit leaving her dizzy.

Jounouchi didn't say a word, hiking Mana onto his back. She resisted for a moment before collapsing, her arms falling forward across his chest. Despite his fatigue, Mana wasn't too heavy as Jounouchi set off again, sprinting down the alleyways blindly as he tried to shake the Sennen. The moans seemed to echo around him, not letting him get away.

Jounouchi realized the arrows had long disappeared. He hadn't seen anyone after them in a while. He glanced over his shoulder, noticing one stray corpse ambling towards them. Perhaps he shook of the enemy, but he had a new problem – he was separated from his squad and nowhere near one of the runesgates.

Turning back would be suicidal at this point, so Jounouchi dove into an empty building once out of sign of the lingering corpse. He knelt down, leaning Mana against the wall as he peaked through the window to keep watch. There was no need to rush. They were blocks away from the attack and away from the center of town. The rabble down there would keep them busy for a while. Once things calmed down, they could make their way back.

Jounouchi sighed as he leaned back on his haunches. Mana was still out next to him, deaf to the world. He felt bad – had he known that Mana would chase him down into the fire, he would have tried to escape sooner. What on earth possessed him to recklessly chase down an enemy in the burning wreckage?

Mana was clearly overworked. He had barely spoken to her since their first big stunt to free Mokuba. She had thrown herself into the Resistance without a second thought to her own well-being. There wasn't a day that went by where she didn't practice her magic. She knew that aiding the Resistance was their best chance of retaking the palace and freeing her teacher. It didn't matter the cost – she selflessly gave herself to the cause in the hopes of saving someone precious to her.

In that regard, Jounouchi couldn't blame her. He knew it was that same devotion that had him run deeper into the fire for answers.

A quick set of footsteps caught Jounouchi's ear. He snapped to his feet, leaning against the wall as he glanced out the window. He gripped his sword tightly, only to relax when he spotted a familiar face. "Honda!"

His companion turned towards the sound of the hushed whisper. Honda examined the building briefly before hesitantly entering the building. He lowered his crossbow once he saw Jounouchi. "Fucking hell, man. I thought you were dead!"

Jounouchi turned back towards his unconscious partner. "I would've been had it not been for Mana."

"Is she okay?"

"Exhausted, but unharmed. Is it safe out there?"

Honda snorted. "It's never safe, but I've secured an escape route for us to use. About four blocks north of here. Granted we might have some undead we'll have to plow through."

Jounouchi drew his sword, adjusting his grip. "Sounds fun. Why don't you don't take the cargo for a bit and I'll cut our way to freedom?"

Honda rolled his eyes. "You dumb asshole. You nearly got burned alive and you're ready to go back swinging?"

"Can't keep me down." Jounouchi grinned. "Let's roll."