This chapter has smut, brought to you by my nasty flu virus and possibly this chapter may be a game changer, enjoy.

This has been edited to the best of my ability.

Warnings: M. M/M Yaoi. Smut, Supernatural, Language, Violence. The plot is mine.

Chapter 34: The Journey Part 2

Three days at sea and everything that had happened seemed to be forgotten as most couples of their group spend as much alone time together as they could or just relaxing. Marik and Bakura were mostly busy in keeping the yacht in top working order and plotting the course ahead. The only time Ryou saw them was when he woke to see Bakura or Marik crawling into bed in the middle of the night and falling instantly asleep.

Ryou sat on a corner of the couch with his feet up and his nose in a really good book. It was nice to relax and spend a little time doing the small things he liked. "And out," Ryou's eyes left the page and he dipped his book just enough to peek over it. Malik stood with Seto some feet away, Malik's impressive black wings flexed, stretched, feathers fanned out, they moved slowly up and down. It was like watching a bird taking off from the ground in slow-motion, and it never failed to get Ryou's attention, mesmerized by the stunning wings of his Demon lovers and mate and even more so by the lean, toned muscles under tanned skin.

"Back in," The Healer instructed his hands on the wings slightly guiding them. His hand would briefly touch the bare skin of Malik's back, shoulders, neck and chest, sending in waves of healing and the relief on Malik's face as the pain lessened.

Ryou smiled to himself, enjoying the view more than the book, the indescribable feeling of being under one roof with the ones he cared for and have them all only a reach away. "Good, you are about a few more weeks away from using them," the Healer's tone a professional one, despite knowing each other for centuries.

"That long?" Malik sighed snagging up his shirt from off the nearby armchair.

"If you want to keep the ability to fly," Seto, not paying much attention to Malik's complaint, the Healer got to hear a lot of complaints from his patients all the time. "Next!" He called out.

Malik rolled his light lavender eyes and walked away barefoot and shirtless. Joey was next, walked over and stood before his mate with a glare. The tension between Healer and his mate could be cut with a knife. Ryou raised an eyebrow, he had been the only one is this what looked to be a living room over an hour ago, suddenly Seto was conducting small medical exams on everyone. Ryou's book was suddenly plucked from his hands and his half Demon loomed over him. "I saw you watching me," he grinned.

"Hard not to," Ryou smiled back wrapped his arms about Malik's neck and pulled him down, soft lips pressed and parted for a much deeper and passionate kiss, Ryou, so glad that his lover was well enough for walking about without pain.

Malik pulled back, breaking the all too short kiss, "you want to take this to the bedroom?" Malik purred softly and sent a pleasant chill up Ryou's body and nodded his head. Malik moved to pick him, until a cushion hit the half Demon in the back of the head.

"He's my next patient," Seto said.

Malik snarled had a comment for the Healer, that died when the words sunk in and all playfulness gone replaced by concern "Are you alright?" Malik asked his eyes roaming up and down Ryou's body.

"Yeah," Ryou gave him a reassuring smile, "Just a check up like everyone else." Ryou shrugged and if he was honest, the ache in his ribs and chest was now making him worry. The pain had somewhat dulled but was still there from his last episode.

"I'll find you when you're done," Malik winked pushed himself up and gave back the book and walked away. Ryou turned his head, watching Malik for as long as he could and truly considered following his lover anyway, he could really use a good down time with all his Demons, for he couldn't remember when they had all been together like that.

Malik glanced his way with a smirk before he vanished outside. "Any pain or discomfort?" So, where was he? Oh yes. The Healer and his mate. Joey had spent the other night crying Yugi's shoulder (no tears were actually spilt) about how Seto neglects him and ruined any chance they had to truly get to know each other on a personal level, and how the asshole of a Healer didn't love him, but loved his body. Since that night Joey hadn't said more than two words to his mate, hence the tension.

Ryou watched with a slight grin how gentle the Healer was with Joey, how close he stood and made, (Ryou wouldn't say unnecessary touches) random lingering touches to his mate. Ryou saw the love the Healer had for Joey, but sadly if looks could kill the Healer would be dead. "Are you done?" Joey sniped, stepping away. "My arm is fine Kaiba." The Healer gave a smirk that only seemed to piss Joey off even more. "Why don't you have your precious company send me a memo of your diagnosis so I can read it later. By the way," Joey poked his mate in the chest, "I'm changing Healers." He turned on his heels and left.

Seto stared after his mate with a shake of his head and called out, "Next!" Before Ryou could get up, Yugi came bounding into the room, with the Demon Lord right behind him. Ryou shrugged, he was quite content to wait. Yugi seemed to have relaxed considerably, though his worry for his Grandpa would show every now and then. Yami wasn't far away and wouldn't let his mate suffer for very long. Yami and Yugi spent a lot of time together in their bedroom or on deck in the spa. Bakura had informed him that Yami was telling Yugi everything that he should expect once in the Realm and crowned his Queen, the joking then started between Marik and Bakura at Yugi's would be new title.

"Hey, Ryou," Yugi smiled, sitting down on the couch so close that Ryou had to tuck in his feet in or have them sat on by his friend.

"Hey," Ryou smiled.

"What are you doing in here alone?" Yugi blinked at him, his friend had a nice glow to him and Ryou's smile widened, knowing that his short friend and the Demon Lord didn't spend all their time just talking.

"Reading," Ryou held up his book.

"Has Bakura or Marik told you about the games that will be held at this Gathering?" Ryou shook his head. "Tournaments mostly, a lot of the events are fights to the death." Yugi's look was one of concern and disapproval.

"Well, every known creature will be gathered there, some things are bound to get brutal, right?" especially when they can freely beat their lifelong enemy to death in front of a cheering crowd. Ryou only hoped that Marik, Malik and Bakura wouldn't be participating in such events.

"Did you know that Yami renovated parts of his castle to alter bed chambers into an apartment like setups for his important guests?" Yugi rambled on without taking a breath about all things he and Yami had spent days talking about, Ryou tuned him out.

Yami was next, turned into his true Demonic form, it was the first time Ryou got a good look at him as well without him moving about or threatening his mate and lovers. The horns Ryou guessed were hereditary in the royal bloodline. The Healer examined the Demon Lord, random touches to parts of his body and jotted down notes.

The Healer was done and Yugi got up from the couch and turned to face him, "Oh Ryou, tonight we're all getting together in the living room to watch movies." Ryou's smile returned; it sounded like old times which brought back a comforting sense that things hadn't gotten so out of hand that everything had changed with their friendships. Ryou, however hoped tonight would be spent in bed with both his lovers and his mate.

"Sounds great," he watched Yugi and Yami walk away, only to have Serenity and Anzu walk in hand in hand and giggling. Both girls had been inseparable the last few days, so much so they even slept in the same room, to which Bakura had said some suspicious sounds coming from Anzu's room and seeing Serenity leaving said room in the mornings.

Ryou felt a little jealous at times as it seemed everyone was getting it on but him, with Marik constantly at the helm, Malik easily exhausted and sleeping most of the time and Bakura seeming like he was avoiding him. Bakura walked by staring at him with a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk to lips like he could read Ryou's thoughts. Ryou shifted on the couch, felt himself harden slightly and he sat up a little.

Bakura's human form fell away, his pale skin had a grey undertone to it, his large black wings filled the room, the dark blue feathers on each wing shone in the light, his dark wine red eyes and claws made for one impressive Demon. Ryou watched with a little worry, that Bakura might not have recovered fully from his time in hibernation and pushed himself too much in the Witch attacks. "You're still weak," Seto said, tapping Bakura's black wings, which scraped the ceiling and dragged on the floor. The Healer moved about the perfectly still Demon, touching, running his hand up his arm, across his shoulder and to his chest and stopped. "Your blood intake has been poor and not efficient enough."

"Will he be ok?" Ryou asked concerned for his mate, Bakura glanced at him, standing barefoot and shirtless, his long hair gathered in a high ponytail, Ryou wanted him and the way Bakura smirked at him, he definitely knew.

"He needs to increase his intake of blood and he should be fine." The Healer more so informed Ryou as he would be the one making sure Bakura did as the Healer ordered.

"Thanks Doc," Bakura said hands in his pockets as he stepped away back in his human form once more.

"Ryou," Seto waved him over. Ryou froze up; no way was the Healer going to examine him in front of Bakura. Ryou wasn't ready and didn't know the words to tell Bakura just how sick he was; maybe Seto wouldn't say anything at all. Ryou hesitantly got up and walked towards the Healer just as Bakura passed him, had his mate always smelt that good? Ryou turned completely round watching and surprised to see Malik and Marik on the couch watching him. "Ryou," The Healer said and he whipped about and found he had almost run into him.

Ryou muttered an apology to which the Healer brushed off and asked. "How have you been feeling?"

"Fine," Ryou whispered when the Healer's hand pressed to his forehead and he turned his head slightly, he could feel the eyes of his mate and lovers on him, it was both comforting and unnerving.

The Healer must have felt his nervousness and paused, pulling away completely, his crimson eyes swept from Ryou to narrow at the three on the couch, "If it'll make you feel better, I can order them to leave." Ryou's heart was beating so hard, he didn't want them forced from the room, but he also didn't want them here to find out through someone else of his illness.

"No," Ryou shook his head and Seto sighed. The Healer's hand returned to his forehead for a moment, then to his chest and lingered. Ryou felt the Healer's powers run through his body, searching him and seeking out anything that needed attention and healing.

"Anything you want to tell me?" Again Seto seemed to know without really saying, Ryou shook his head as the Healer's eyes swept back to the three on the couch and back again. "It's all here, right?" The Healer's hands pressed on both sides of Ryou's ribs that he cried out and almost fell to his knees if it wasn't for the Healer already holding him.

Ryou heard growls behind him and in his doubled over position he vaguely saw Marik, Malik and Bakura on their feet and move towards him and stopped when the Healer raised a hand to indicate that everything was fine. "What's wrong with him?" Bakura asked suspicious now.

Ryou tensed up, his grip on the Healer's arm tightened. "Still recovering from your attack," Ryou winced at the Healer's accusing cold tone towards his mate, but it was what he got for letting Seto cover for him. Ryou glanced up at his mate and saw a hurt look almost consume Bakura's face.

The Healer helped him to straighten up and his hand back on Ryou's chest and felt the surge of healing; sweep away the pain like smoke in a breeze. Ryou sighed the aching gone from his chest and ribs for the first time in days. He expected the Healer to stop now that the pain was gone, however, he didn't. The Healer frowned, his powers shifted from healing to searching and he felt the Demon's power going in too deep, "Stop." Ryou gasped as it became a new unfamiliar wave of pain and overwhelming feeling to protect himself against a threat. "Stop!" a burst of dark energy sparked between Ryou and the Healer, who was knocked back into the wall some feet away.

"Ryou!" Bakura cupped his face drawing his attention from the Healer onto him, shocked at first to see golden eyes staring up at him.

"Damn it!" Seto slowly pushed himself to his feet.

"He goes to deep with his powers and threatens us." Ryou growled, Bakura sighed as he pressed his forehead to his mate's and his thumbs gently stroking his cheek calming Ryou down enough that his growling ceased. "I'll not be threatened."

"No one is threatening you," Bakura reassured, the Healer's powers must have upset Ryou's Dragon side enough to bring him forth from his dormant state. Bakura couldn't help himself, tilted Ryou's chin up slightly and kissed him softly.

"Ryou?" They parted to see Marik staring at him; eyes slightly widened his hand partly reaching out for him. It was still a shock to see the true evidence that their reincarnated lover still existed, the subtle change of the eyes, a deep burning gold with vertical black irises.

"Come here, baby." As soon as Marik said those words, Ryou was in his arms, locked in a more passionate kiss. Marik reached out snagging his mate by the arm and all three vanished from the room.

Bakura frowned unhappy that he had been left behind; Kaiba's movements in his peripheral vision got his attention. "You alright?" He asked lacking any real concern, in his opinion the Healer deserved it, not only for his comment of his savage feeding on Ryou, but for Kaiba letting his powers get out of control and go where they weren't welcome.

"I wouldn't be if he was at full strength," the Healer fell into a nearby armchair visibly shaking.

"What did you do anyway?" Bakura stood before him, as much as he loved getting a glimpse of the old Ryou, he was curious as to what triggered that side of him to awaken... Bakura's frown deepened, if that side of Ryou decided to remain awake and in control, then what would happen to his Human? The Ryou he knew and fell in love with all over again, would he be lost to him?

"Not sure," Kaiba ran his hands through his hair. "My powers were in control and they weren't as deep as he says."

Bakura voiced his thoughts, "Kaiba, what will happen to Ryou if that Dragon side of him remains awake?"

The Healer looked up confused at first and then after a few long moments, "I don't know." He said honestly. "I only presume that both the Human and Dragon side would merge as one personality." The Healer rose to his feet. "I'll have to do some research, but you and I both know that there wasn't any information ever recorded on Dragons." Dragons being such powerful secretive creatures kept all knowledge of themselves to themselves, they never shared information or passed it on, they kept it well guarded, mostly in fear if a weakness was found and exploited and their race bound in chains and cages forever. They were all shallow savage creatures. They ruled the Demonic Realm as furiously as their nature, not an ounce of mercy in them for those who did wrong. Bakura feared that if Ryou's full Dragon side was to completely emerge, he'd forever lose his Mate to that cold, heartless nature.

"Ryou's condition now is as rare as it was back then for his kind, a powerless, weak, sickly, shiftless little beast that by rights should have been eaten at birth by his mother," A deep warning growl from Bakura not liking how the Healer spoke about his mate.

"Powerless," Bakura snorted, his mate might not have had a constant access to his powers, but at times of distress Ryou could display them well in order to protect himself, but such displays shouldn't happen while he was Human. "He put you on your ass just now."

"I'm only ever speculating," that's what it was, speculating, it was all any of them could do when it came to Ryou. The Healer gathered information on Ryou as his Healer, but without anything else like the Human to go off, Kaiba was working in the dark and he hated not knowing what to expect. "All we can do is watch and wait and deal the best we can if something happens and for you to grow a set and tell him, explain to him what he is and maybe the poor guy will understand half the things that are happening to him." Bakura gave a growl, "Really?" Kaiba snapped having had enough of being growled at. "You're claiming to be the best possible mate for him and yet you neglect the very important foundation of any bonding, talking and honesty." The Healer gathered up his files. "I want to see Ryou in a few weeks and he better know everything or as his Healer I'll do it for you." He then walked off.

Bakura turned on his heels and left the living area and headed towards the bedroom, he had all intentions of telling Ryou everything before disembarking at the Demonic Realm's Portal.

Bakura entered the bedroom; one bedside lamp cast the room in soft light and shadows. Upon the bed, Malik and Ryou wrapped in Marik's arms, roaming hands, fingers and lips eager to seek out bare flesh and clothing already removed and littered the bedroom floor. Bakura, enjoying the scene and couldn't recall the last time they were together like this. A flick of guilt when he looked at his mate, whose hands roamed over Marik's broad chest down his toned stomach along with Malik's hands. Ryou wasn't a hundred percent in control of himself and as much as Bakura loved that Dragon side of his mate it was his delicate, vulnerable Human he wanted to devour and mark every inch of him inside and out and make him his... Bakura roped in the predator side of himself that always came out during mating; he'd save that kind of attention for Marik who could handle it and would accept it happily, retracting his fangs and claws.

The delightful sweet sounds Ryou and Malik were making were an indication that Marik had moved things along rather fast and if he stood here any longer, he'd be left out or left to catch up by himself. Marik already had slick hands, and fingers in both Ryou and Malik's body, working them slowly already to the point that the Human and half Demon rocked their hips against him, seeking more contact. Marik devoured their lips when Malik and Ryou took turns wanting his attention but not fighting each other for it.

Marik tilted his head back with a groan as both Malik and Ryou gave the older Demon a few gentle but firm tugs on Marik's hardening member and hands were replaced with their months, Malik and Ryou both sucking, licking, kissing and nipping at any parts of flesh that were in reach.

Bakura walked around the bed pressed himself against Marik's back, wrapped his arms about him, nibbled along Marik's neck to his ear before lips pressed to his in a deep hungry kiss and a battle of tongues. A need for air Bakura was the first to pull away completely and smirked to Marik's growl. "Is there room for me?" Bakura drawled crawling onto the bed, all eyes on him clouded with already pent up lust and his grin widened, oh how he missed that look. Bakura met Marik's stare, knowing that at some point they would get their chance at each other. Malik pulled away first and Marik reluctant to let him go and let out a soft growl, Ryou followed secondly.

Malik pushed Bakura onto his back, a brief passionate kiss from both Malik and his mate and they moved down together taking up his already hard member, "Fuck!" Bakura gripped the bed arching his back, he gripped onto their hair, not tugging or pulling or forcing them, just held their hair, moving his hand with them as their heads moved. Marik positioned himself behind them, both Malik and Ryou let out moans, a sign that Marik was preparing them both at the same time and tease them a little.

Marik at his limit grabbed Ryou by his waist and flipped his Human onto his back, who gasped and laughed while wriggling in Marik's hold as he raked his claws ever so gently over Ryou's sides and then down his thighs, which parted. Marik growled playfully with a grin as he grabbed Ryou's hips once more and pulled him back against him, easing himself into the Human's body, "Marik," earning a groan of pleasure from Ryou and a slow rhythm started. Marik licked slowly up Ryou's leg that was over his shoulder and the other one wrapped tightly around his waist. Yes, Ryou was his first pick of the night and he certainly wouldn't be his last.

Marik made each thrust of his hips just so that Ryou felt every inch of him, the bundle of nerves that had him arch his back up off the bed was only hit a few times, enough to bring him to the edge and not enough to get his release. Sweat dampened Ryou's body, his hair dishevelled and stuck to him. Malik faired no differently, as he suddenly fell over Ryou, his cheeks all flushed, panting and gasping, Ryou couldn't see, but whatever Bakura was doing to Malik, his half Demon had his eyes tightly shut, was trembling and struggled to stay up on his arms. Ryou cupped Malik's already sweat damp face and brought his lips down upon his own in need for more contact.

"Bakura!" Malik cried out, his claws tore the blankets, leaving behind slash marks, Bakura chuckled somewhat darkly and Malik was suddenly yanked from Ryou's line of sight.

Ryou was pulled up into Marik's arms and their position switched; he was on Marik's lap and his own body weight used to aid in the rhythm as he was lifted and brought down again on Marik's shaft. Marik stroked Ryou's cheek lovingly and their eyes met. Ryou lent in kissing him. "I love you," Ryou whispered breathlessly against his lips.

"Me too," Marik's fangs nipping at Ryou's bottom lip and saw the Dragon side of Ryou fade out and in place of golden eyes, deep brown stared at him, a little confused and their rhythm slowing but not completely stopping. "It's ok," Marik reassured soothingly, "we're all here." Ryou glanced across the bed to see Malik under Bakura, with the half Demon's legs wrapped about him. "Would you prefer Bakura?"

"Not at this moment," a little confused on how he ended up in bed with all his Demons or how this got started, Ryou however didn't dwell too much as Marik lifted him up and their rhythm was picked up once again.

As the heat and passion grew more intense, Ryou wasn't sure how but at some point the four of them ended up in piled together, arms, legs and bodies twisted, arched and they all moved as one, groans, growls and grunts came as a collective sound as pleasure was reaching it max. Fangs nipped at sensitive flesh, claws raked over skin leaving behind red marks, blood boiled and pleasures pooled, wings unfolded and Human forms fell away, and powers unleashed swapping about the room and filling the air.

Ryou moved in perfect rhythm with Bakura and could no long hold back and was pulled into Bakura's tight embrace. "So beautiful," He purred in Ryou's ear as nails dug onto Bakura's back and dragged downward, his mate was close his movements speed up, gasping and the tight heat just about undone him. Ryou came between them, throwing back his head and crying out Bakura's name at the ceiling and at the same time Bakura came deep within his mate and both riding the waves of ecstasy for a long movement and then slowed all movements to a stop.

Ryou completely exhausted, out of breath and smiled as he kissed his purring mate, neither of them in any hurry to break their contact just yet. Malik's cry filled the room getting Bakura and Ryou's attention and Marik followed with a loud growl and a flex of wings. They were still close enough to each other that when the four of them collapsed on the bed they ended up on each other. "I'm getting fucking old," Marik's chest heaved with every breath, Malik laughed just as out of breath as his mate.

"Finding it hard to keep up, Marik?" Bakura raised an eyebrow and grinned, Marik snorted. "Don't worry," Bakura's grin turned cocky.

"I maybe old," Marik replied, "at least I'm not frigid, Bakura."

"I'll get you a room at a nice Healer's Sanctuary for the old and visit you very Sunday." Ryou tried to hold back his chuckle but it was hard when Malik was out right laughing.

Marik moved himself out from under his mate and Ryou, "Careful now Marik, don't want you to break a hip," Bakura roared with laughter and Marik pounced on him. "Shit!" Bakura yelped as they both fell from the bed onto the floor only to start laughing again despite Marik's efforts to stop him.

Ryou slowly awoke feeling warm, comfortable and content in Bakura's arms, unsure of why he was woken, it must have been subconscious at first, but slowly he realised that they are not alone. Normally, Ryou was always the last to sense anything, his mate and lovers would know well before him and all three Demons would instantly awaken ready to defend or kill. The three Demons slept on soundly around him. This however, is different, it is not a person, exactly... a warm glow, the feeling of another life beating softly with theirs.

Ryou sat up slowly, the blankets and arms fell to his waist and he glanced about the shadowed room, was it something left over from Bakura and Marik's unleashed powers last night? Which always had a trace of borrowed life and took time to dissipate, but Bakura or Marik's power was never a warm glow nor did their powers feel as soft as this... Ryou felt oddly in that moment connected and attached to it all at once.

"You alright?" A slurred sleepy voice of Marik as he ran his hand up Ryou's arm and it was gone, whatever it was. "Ryou," He was tugged down onto Marik's chest, wrapped up in arms and warmth.

Ryou next woke to a brighter bedroom and running water from the bathroom and the only one still in bed. Finding the will power, Ryou got up, winching at the tight ache in parts of his body and walked to the bathroom to see Bakura already in the shower washing himself. Ryou in the state of undress opened the frosted glass and joined his mate.

One hot shower and a massage later Ryou entered the kitchen feeling on top of the world. His friends were already eating and Yami and Seto looked exhausted and barely looked at the food their mates had got them. "Morning," Ryou got a cheery greeting from Anzu, Serenity and Yugi.

Bakura only grunted and went right for the coffee and took it out on deck, which seemed like a perfect idea. "Did Marik or Malik have breakfast?" Ryou asked.

"No, Marik went back to the helm," Seto muttered.

"Thank the gods," Yami yawned.

"So you two were..."

"All night," Yami cut Ryou off knowing what he was asking, the Demon Lord and Healer had been at the ships controls while Marik rolled about in the sheets with him, Malik and Bakura. "He better be grateful," Yami said grouchily, "I missed a night with Yugi for him."

Ryou frowned, the Demon Lord bitching about missing one night with his mate, to help Marik out, who had been at the controls of the yacht since leaving Domino, without sleep or a break. Ryou also felt since everything that had happened to Bakura and Marik shook the foundation of their relationship, that the four of them might never have experience last night again. Thankful to which ever gods still favoured Ryou that everything between his mate and lovers was once again in balance. Ryou considered throwing the selfish Demon Lord overboard or maybe Bakura or Marik would do it for him.

"Thanks," Ryou said anyway and made himself busy with gathering up all kinds of food onto a tray and left the kitchen and stepped out on deck. The sky was a perfect blue with matching open waters; Ryou headed to the stern the same direction he had seen his mate go, finding Bakura sitting at around table and sat the tray of food down and took up a seat next to him, the boat slowed to a complete stop and the anchor dropped.

The Demon Lord could be heard as he voiced his complaint about stopping and never making it to the Realm. Marik made a comment that silenced him and to Ryou's delight, both Marik and Malik sat down at the table with them. "Russia is our first stop in a few days," Marik said picking up a toast and shoving it into his mouth.

"Got a plan?" Bakura asked, Marik gave him a wicked grinned.

"The best plan, where we use Yami as bait." Ryou hoped Marik was joking, but had no doubt that if things went south; his mate and lover would most likely leave Yami behind.

"That is good," the conversation drifted over plans and other subjects as they ate breakfast together.

TBC.

Reviews are appreciated, let me know what you think (love and cookies)