Amaya sat beside Bakura for some more. She didn't know what to do with him. If she told them, Yami Bakura would never forgive her. But they'd figure it out anyways, since they had to gather all together to go to the Kaiba mansion in just a few hours. She was crushed – bearing that reality had already become incomprehensible for her. She would…

That's it: Run away! She'd pull that out! They wouldn't have to worry if she attacked them that way and-

"Amaya?"

Too late. He had just opened the door. And she could only imagine what a sight he had just been forced to view.

That was the final hit. "I'm sorry!" She couldn't take it anymore, she burst into tears. "I'm sorry Yami Bakura, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to do it; you have to believe me!" She fell on her knees and clung at him desperately, gripping the ends of his light blue jacket. "Oh please, please believe me!" She was gasping to breathe.

His mouth had gone dry, it was hard to swallow. If there was one person in the entire world and time he ever gave a damn about, it was his other self. And now… He couldn't even bring himself to ask her if he was dead, alive, or soon to be turned into a vampire. He just stared with open mouth and trembling eyes. He had trusted her… He believed that this woman could have walked on par with him in the new world. After being through so much together, his chest had started to hurt. "Why?" He asked, and it only elicited a choked noise from her. "Why does it hurt?" He looked down at the top of her head, as she wouldn't dare to make eye contact with him. "Tell me, why do I hurt?" His tone was rising. "I ASKED YOU, WHY DOES IT HURT?" He lost control and slapped her. She let go of his jacket and he kicked her away. She fell on the floor two feet away, face down, covered by her black hair, and stayed like that. "Whose fault is this… Who's…" He placed a hand over his chest, but the pain wouldn't go away. "Damn…" He couldn't step closer to Bakura. His feet were trembling, his knees were weak.

"Well well well, isn't such a great atmosphere in here!" Yami Malik crept behind him. He hugged Yami Bakura once again, just like he had done in Yuugi's house, securing the other's arms and torso. "Don't you think so?" He whispered in his ear. Amaya remained unmoving, wishing she could just die off or wake up from this nightmare. She didn't react, if they wanted to eat her, they could go ahead. "Let me teach you something." Yami Malik licked Yami Bakura's ear, whose hair were covering his face. "It hurts here," He placed a hand over the other's chest, "because you're too weak and sentimental. I agree," He started licking Yami Bakura's neck, exploiting the fact that he wouldn't react to his ministrations, "that these past few weeks were fun. All of you are interesting guys. Even if I'd take over the world, I'd imprison you so I can play. Somehow I want you to stick around, otherwise there's no meaning in conquering the world. You feel this way too, don't you?" He delved his left hand inside Yami Bakura's shirt and touched the soft skin of his belly. "But you know, I have already realized I can't have that. I'm not an utopist." He narrowed his eyes. "I'll play now, for I won't be able to do it later."

"Phar-aoh…" Yami Bakura managed to stutter, much to his humiliation. Asking the Pharaoh for help… He'd rather die, die, DIE! But Yami Malik clenched his arms tighter around him, it was painful. And when Yami Malik's fingers entangled themselves around his neck, it was too late.

And Amaya still didn't have the strength to move.

Downstairs, Ayaka had stormed into the living room where Atem was resting. "I want the Millennium Key, and I want it NOW!" She stomped her foot down.

"Okay…" He raised an eyebrow. "And I want a maisonette in Bahamas too…"

"Stop joking! Call Shadi, I know you can!" Ayaka was completely ignoring the fact that Shadi coming equaled information about Nerissa and thus, more trouble. "Whatever you can do is fine – I want to see Kaiba's past with my own two eyes! Those eyes!" She even pointed at her eyes.

Atem sighed. "Would you mind hearing me out about how peeking in other's pasts isn't right and if you really love him, I understand that you're frustrated but you should be patient and eventually…"

"No, no, no, you don't get it. This isn't about something as tiny as finding out old girlfriends or plain curiosity or worry about him." She tried to make him understand. "This is about all of us! Something really bad, something deranged, distorted, wicked has happened back then! I swear on my magical powers, he could even be dangerous!" She formed a cross with her fingers and kissed it. "You picked inside me and Amaya's minds – now it's time for comeback! Atem, we have to see what happened!"

"Sorry Ayaka. Do you love him yes or no?" Atem stood up and stared at her eyes. Suddenly, she felt uneasy.

"Yes… Or at least I think so. What is love, either way?" She said nervously.

"Something shook you up that bad? Because you do know what love is when you really love. You feel it with and from your heart."

She looked away, without knowing how to answer. "I…" She decided. "I love. It's painful, I know, but I love."

"Then ask him to tell you by himself." Atem was dead serious. "This way..."

"…He can't bring himself to love me. He's afraid of hurting me. That's why he doesn't get close to anybody. Thus, he won't tell me. Consequently, I need your help."

"I'm not giving it."

Ayaka realized he wouldn't change his mind. She had to reveal her worst fear. "What if he's a murderer?" The words just slipped away.

Atem's eyes widened in shock. "Why would you believe something like that?"

"Come on now Atem, let's not kid ourselves! So much money? Ever heard of the word mafia?"

Atem clenched his fists. "Yes, but I don't believe Kaiba would get himself into it. He's smarter than that."

"I'm not saying he's into it, but he sure has some strings attached." Ayaka was trying to be realistic. "Otherwise, he wouldn't have survived until now, we all know what's happening behind those gigantic companies! Besides, his step-father was definitely into it! A company for armory? Something really dirty is going on!"

Atem banged his fist on the table. "Stop it!" He yelled. He glared so intensely that it scared her. "I trust my life to Kaiba! I know what kind of person he is, and if there's one thing I'm sure for, is that he's not a murderer! I will trust him tonight too, and if you really love him, I suggest you do the same." He turned his back at her, and headed upstairs to find the rest. Ayaka watched him go with eyes full of guilt and worry.

But after her dream, she wouldn't be tricked that easily. She bit her lower lip and glared at Atem's back. She would be the one right in the finale!

Atem stomped his way up the stairs. He couldn't believe Ayaka's nerve! She was claiming to love Seto, but in reality, she just doubted him to make sure she would be having a nice time if she picked him! It was frustrating, so damn frustrating… He banged his fist on a wall once more. "Where are you, you twits? We have to go!" He yelled at the rest. And then he noticed the opened door.

He walked in, only to face a sleeping-slash-blood-deprived Bakura, and an open window.

Several miles away

"You decided to walk? Good for you." Yami Malik mocked Amaya. They were in a totally empty field by now. The girls' house wasn't so far away from the countryside after all. Yami Malik was carrying an unconscious Yami Bakura in his arms, and Amaya was following mechanically. This was for the best, right? The rest could pull it off against Yussi and Leer, they were prepared now, and they had everything needed. She was sure Ayaka would understand when she saw Bakura. She would understand…

"Where do we go now?" She asked Yami Malik, without looking up.

He stopped, and turned to face her with a wicked smile. "Why, to make our own utopia, of course!"

He didn't seem to care of how sad she looked. He glanced at the boy in his arms again. It's good, he thought. With those two, I don't need anything else for now.

Amaya looked back again. Was it really okay to leave it like this? She'd have all the eternity to wonder.

Back in his place, Jou was readying mentally himself to pass another heart-clenching night at the Kaiba mansion. Damn it… He was sick of fighting those supernatural freaks. He was sick of having to bet his life, and not only his, but Shizuka's as well. She was deeply traumatized after the last ordeal, if these was to go on, they'd all lose it and check behind their backs every ten seconds. He nearly missed the old days when he only had to fight weak thugs. Okay, maybe some times not so weak, but he at least knew they were at the same level as him – human! And the best part? He was the only one to endanger himself back then! Now it was just shit. They weren't even dueling anymore.

Suddenly, the phone rang. "Hello?" He picked it up. He heard an awfully familiar voice. He froze.

"Hello Jounouchi." The Boss was smirking behind the line. He knew Jou could sense it.

"What the fuck do you want?" The blond spat.

"Come on, be gentler." The Boss took a ship of whiskey hanging from his fingers. "I called to make quite an offering."

One Hour Later

"Jounouchi, you're early!" Seto opened the door surprised. Jou noticed that he was wearing the same clothes as yesterday night. "Aren't you supposed to be a high-ranked slacker and be late almost… I don't know, three hours?" Kaiba pretended to wonder. But Jou totally ignored him. He walked in, totally apathetic, his stare was blank.

"Is Mokuba here?" His voice was so quiet…

"No… I sent him to Kaiba Corp. with all of my security. Thought it would be safer this way…" Something was wrong. Kaiba closed the front door and narrowed his eyes. "Where's Shizuka?" He asked, and turned towards Jou. He still had his back towards him.

"Shizuka isn't coming."

"What's wrong with you?"

"They have my parents."

Seto froze at those words. "What?" He said, knowing it was pointless. Jou turned to face him and revealed a gun.

It was good Mokuba wasn't here; Jou didn't want him to see this. At the same time, he knew that Anzu was holding a gun against Mai and Honda against Otogi. Talking about fucked up development. He pointed it at Kaiba, who didn't even flinch. There he was standing, proud, arrogant and grime as always. Without saying a word, without showing the smallest hint of fear. "Isn't it funny?" He cracked up a deranged laugh. "I totally hate both of them. One left me when I was like five and never looked back, while the other wasted his life in gambling and drinks without ever giving a damn about me. When he was in trouble, I would be the one who'd have to pay. It's so messed up…" He ran his free hand into his hair. Kaiba still wouldn't move or say anything. "I hate them, but they are still my parents. I don't want to do this… I don't even have any guarantee that they'll let them live. It's stupid, but it has to be done. So…"

They stared into each other's eyes for some moments. Neither of them would show any sign of emotion. They were just looking at each other, when Jou let the weapon fall on the floor.

"…I'll go to hell no matter what I choose. So at least, I'll choose the right." He said, and looked away. Neither he, nor Anzu or Honda would pull the trigger. But they had to make their point.

Kaiba walked towards him and picked it up. Jou looked at him again, a sad look visible in his eyes now. "They're watching us aren't they." He stated. The blond nodded. "And listening?" The blond nodded again. Much to his surprise, a wolfish grin appeared at the brunette's lips. He couldn't help but feel scared when Kaiba brought the gun right under his chin. He swallowed hard. "Well then Jounouchi, be a good boy and do as I say." He used his free hand to grab Jou's hair and pushed his skin further into the metallic barrel. Jou closed his eyes and hissed from the pain. It didn't seem to bother Kaiba. He would play the bad guy as many times as it was needed.

"So that's what you really are."

It came as quite a shock when Ayaka revealed herself from being invisible. She looked and sounded so disappointed, it was heart breaking, and she was crestfallen. Not only Amaya had left her again, but now she discovered she lost some more. Kaiba's eyes widened for a moment. His first reaction was to shout no, it wasn't what it looked like, he wasn't trying to hurt Jou, but as always, he controlled himself easily. It was better this way. It was better if she thought this way. "So what?" He gave her an icy look and griped Jou's hair more tightly, until he let out a whimper. "It wouldn't be wise for you to attack now, creature, or whatever the hell you are. If you value the life of your friend, that is."

Tears fell off Ayaka's eyes. "Amaya was right." She shook her head right and left. "She was right, my dream was right. You'll only cause people pain. You're so pitiful, you don't deserve love."

"I don't remember ever asking for your pathetic 'love'. Now leave. You're an eyesore. I don't want to associate with your kind in any way." He emphasized his point by pushing again the gun against Jou's skin. "Leave or he gets it!"

Ayaka couldn't stand it. No more, please, no more! "Let him go, please! He spared you! Let him go!"

"I SAID, LEAVE!" Go away Ayaka, please go away!

"Ayaka-chan… Please go." Jou managed to say. He thought he knew what Kaiba was trying to do. "Please, I'll be fine. He won't hurt me; I'm asking you as a favor!"

Ayaka didn't want to stay and see anymore, whatsoever. She started disappearing. Only her head had remained, when she said: "I hate you. You're a stranger to me." And then she totally disappeared.

Kaiba clenched his teeth, but that was the only reaction. "Walk." He ordered Jounouchi, and he obeyed. Whatever Kaiba was planning to do with him, he deserved it. He couldn't help being afraid. He wanted to trust the brunette, but it wasn't that easy. Kaiba guided him into the basement, and shoved him into one of the many doors. It was a small room with one bed, a desk with a few books, and some sideboards. There was no light, only a small, old lamp from those with the oil. When Kaiba walked in right behind him, he closed the door behind him and locked it several times.

"W-What are you doing?" Jou dared to ask, while he retreated to the nearest wall.

"I wouldn't go near the wall if I were you." Kaiba said casually, and lit up the lamp. That gave Jou the opportunity to look at the walls and ceiling. A small scream escaped through his lips. There was blood everywhere, making some really weird and creepy designs, such as the pentacle. "Chill out, I took it from a blood bank. This room is especially made for keeping the vampires and in generally, all the magical creatures out. They can't get in here, see us or hear us."

"Wha… An-And the others? Ayaka-chan?" Jou was astounded.

"Ayaka doesn't need protection now that she's a fully fledged elf-fairy. And I have instructed Mokuba to do the same in other houses and inform the others about it. As soon as Yussi and Leer step inside the mansion, my security will welcome them properly… with silver!" Kaiba was looking so sadistic right then that Jou wondered if he'd prefer the vampire's company. "But what you said complicated things… I hope nothing much will happen further. I count on Natsu to eliminate threats too…"

"You didn't hear? Amaya is missing." Jou informed him a bit surprised. "Yami Malik and Yami Bakura too. We don't know where…"

"What?" Kaiba hoped that he didn't hear well. Natsu is missing… that would mean… that would mean… "FUCK!"

Not so far away

"I'm very happy with our alliance. I hope our terms will be just as satisfactory…"

"YOU FUCKING BASTARD YOU SOLD US OFF!" Amaya was scratching and clawing and kicking, but Yussi was holding her tightly. Yami Bakura was still unconscious, while Yami Malik and the Boss were having a handshake. Leer seemed pretty much bored for now.

"Honey, is it really my fault that you trusted me?" Yami Malik licked his lips. "I think I made a wonderful deal – you two for the Pharaoh and my other, annoying half! I was amazed of how easily you bought it, I have to confess. Vampirism softened you up, didn't it?" He stuck his tongue out.

Atem… Malik… "No! No, no, no, NO!" All she could do was scream.

"Calm down, honey dear!" Yussi couldn't help himself and licked her cheek. She let out a cry of disgust and kicked him on the shin. That really angered him, and he punched her stomach, thing that left her paralyzed for some minutes.

"Throw both of them down the dungeon." The Boss dismissed them easily. "Then go hunt for the rest, except Atem and Malik. You got that?"

"Yes sir!" Yussi threw Amaya over his shoulder and Leer grabbed Yami Bakura's body from his hair. They soon threw them in a dark and damp cell. Amaya continued swearing at them as they were locking the bars, but she couldn't get away.

"Don't yell like that honey. We even left you food." Leer indicated towards Yami Bakura's side, and burst into laughter.

"I'll come to have some fun later." Yussi indicated to his genitals, plastering a lewd smile. "After I've sucked all the blood out of all your dear friends, that is. Don't worry, I'll bring you their heads so you can have a drink too!" They laughed and disappeared, leaving Amaya to feel more helpless, scared and miserable than she had ever felt before.