Disclaimer: FC and Zoo do not own Yu-Gi-Oh!
FC: ^-^ Wohoo for Zoo-chan!!! Great work on your chapter and you fight scene was excellent ^^
Flareon Muse: well hopefully you'll get your chapter out faster than your last!
FC: *face faults* it wasn't all _that_ long to come out
Eevee Muse: -.- yes it was and so was this one
FC: @.@ Zoo…back up? Please? Zoo? *looks around and sees Zoo lost in a mountain of Ryou,
Bakura, Yuugi and Yami plushies*
Zoo: ^____^
Eevee & Flareon Muses: o.O;;;;
FC: Yay!!! *dives into mountain*
Zoo: Enjoy the chapter peeps!
FC: Oh and I apologise to anyone who was disturbed and/or felt ill from my graphic scenes before ^^V
Eevee Muse: You still going to counselling, because of working with FC?
Flareon Muse: *nods* yep
Eevee Muse: do they work?
Flareon Muse: …
FC: *big teary eyes* you so mean…
Zoo: *lost under the plushies* see ya in the endnotes!
Warnings: Graphic violence, blood, gore, death, some language
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"…And most importantly, I am free in all the ways you are not"
-Tyler Durden, Fight Club
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Chapter 9- Retribution
Yuugi had to run to keep up with Yami's long wrathful strides, swallowing hard as he glanced at the
vampire's glaring expression. Was he wrong to have gone back to find Yami? He had left Jou
intending to go back to the Game Shop but a feeling had made his gut twinge with one he didn't
understand. Unsure of what it meant, he had gone to find the vampire, his senses heightened in the
gloomy silent forest. Once he had found Yami obviously tracking something, he had stuck close
reassured by the Game King's presence. But those thoughts weren't what plagued his mind.
Ryou did.
Yuugi couldn't believe what he had seen. Had Ryou _actually_ melded from a wolf to a human, or
were his amplified senses playing with his imagination? It just couldn't be possible- it had to have been
his mind, but…Yuugi hesitated. With all he had seen since Yami had appeared he didn't know what
was possible and what was not. Had that _thing_ with Ryou been one of the race that branded his own
yami, that had marked him for his entire immortal life just for one kill of their own?
The boy understood that they had been angry but he did not understand why they felt they a right to
label someone as a murderer when so many had got away with doing the _exact_ same thing. It wasn't
right or fair. Sympathy welled in the youth's heart for his yami. If only life was easy, none of it might
have happened, if the two sides could be at peace with one another…
Yami stalked on, boots crushing dead leaves into the dried ground as he took no noticed of how much
noise he made. How did that Darkwolf get to this world? What business did he have here? But more
important than how or what was why. Why was the Darkwolf here?
The questions puzzled Yami, his annoyed mind causing an angry aura to emanate from his body. The
very air seemed to whip about him, the trees ostensibly shrinking away from him in fear. Insects
stopped their random babbling, nocturnal creatures backed away before running back to their nests. A
vampire was one thing, an infuriated vampire was another. That mere fact that the Darkwolf had
mocked him because of his mark edged the fury he held in his grasp.
As Yuugi walked alongside the vampire he felt the tinge of fear that turned his stomach fade to
nothing. Why, he didn't know, but whatever caused that tinge to fade left him with a sense of security,
one that left him unafraid of Yami when he was angry. He was the vampire's hikari and Yuugi knew he
would not hurt him intentionally. He had learnt that over the days he had been with Yami- if he was
going to hurt him the vampire would have by now. While all else crept away from the King of
Vampires, Yuugi didn't even flinch as he walked beside Yami.
***********************************************************************************
Cold rain began to fall as the pair walked into Domino City and down an alley, dark silhouettes
outlined themselves in the night's shadow; watching them as they walked. One, taller than the others
signalled them to move, following the pair down the alley.
Yami's sharp senses had picked up the shadowed group earlier but had paid them no heed. Now he
heard the soft slap of the group's feet as they came up behind the Game King. He glanced at Yuugi,
who glanced back at him. Communicating without words but with a simple flicker of eyes, Yami
turned; pushing Yuugi gently behind him, keeping one hand on the youth's side as a reassuring him.
Crimson eyes scanned over the group of five, a familiar face appearing as the leader. His face twisted
in an angry sneer, Ken, the bully from the cafeteria, stood forward of the other four. His wispy brown
fringe moved in the cool breeze, his green eyes full of anger.
"We have unfinished business" he voice spoke the rage in his mind as he pointed a glinting crowbar at
the vampire. He had run in shame once, now it was the mysterious new guy's turn to run.
Yami shook his head a barbaric smirk dancing across amused features. "I didn't know you were _that_
eager to have to shit beaten out of you. Or are you just too dense to understand simple demands?"
Quiet sniggers came from a couple of the thugs behind Ken. Did this guy really think he could beat
them all? Ken silenced the sniggers with a raged glare. Turning back to Yami he held his position,
unwilling to show fear. "You can't win again all of us and when we're finished with you…" Ken
pointed the crowbar at Yuugi, "we'll see that runt's face twisted a new way."
Yuugi didn't like where this was going. He shrunk behind Yami, dread filling his mind. Yami gave his
arm a gentle squeeze, comforting the smaller boy as his crimson eyes presented a look of boredom.
Enraged by Yami's complete lack of fear, Ken signalled to the four behind him, watching them run at
the Game King, moonlight glinting off knife blades as they lunged.
The next few moments became a blur for Yuugi. He vaguely remembered being pushed against a cold
wall, lost in the wet shadowed depths, partially hidden from view. Wide violet eyes watched the chaos
before him, pained cries filling his ears. Flashes of black, blonde and crimson darted throughout the
fight, driven by unnatural gracefulness. The violet eyes closed as Yuugi sank to the ground, tears
falling from his closed lids as he pulled his knees up to his chest; hands covering his ears trying to
block out the cries and shouts.
***********************************************************************************
Yami moved with all the refinement and agility of his kind, pushing Yuugi back out of the fray against
one of the dark walls, concealing him from the group, before dodging nimbly aside. He was between
the boys in the blink of a eye, wreaking havoc in their midst. The first guy, a tall muscular blonde
looked around widely, blinking in confusion when he found the vampire was no longer in front of him.
He turned to look for the agile being when he felt steely hands wrap around his neck, flipping him over
onto his back, sadistic crimson eyes lit by the moon staring down at him. Before he could react Yami's
boot crashed down on his throat, partially crushing his windpipe.
The malicious eyes moved constantly with the vampire as he danced between the remaining three who
were still on their feet. Grabbing the next youth by his arm, Yami grinned as he twisted it behind his
back before viciously yanking it up, resounding it a loud snap as the arm broke, releasing a painful
howl from it's owner. A knee rammed into his stomach and smacked into his nose, cracking it as he
bent forward under the blow to his stomach, oozing blood pouring down his lip.
The next two suffered similarly, before Yami turned on Ken who stood gripping the silvery crowbar,
attempting to stop his arm from trembling. He swallowed his fear, raising the crowbar, as Yami rushed
him. He brought the bar down, seeking to hit the vampire about his head with the metal. Yami dodged
with lightning reflexes, slamming his fist against Ken's cheek, the silver ring, engraved with the
vampire king's emblem that had gone unnoticed by all before, slashing a deep jagged cut along his
cheekbone. Ken cried out in pain and rage, swinging his bar again; Yami dodging to the left as the
youth had anticipated. He moved his arm with split second timing, whacking it across Yami's back,
knocking him to the ground.
Growling at his own mistake, the Game King began to push himself back up from the drenched ground,
the rain beating down hard on his vulnerable form. He winced as the cruel metal bar whipped his back,
forcing him back onto the ground; leaving a stinging welt across his back, even though his leather shirt
absorbed some of the blow. It continued to beat down mercilessly on him, the hooked end ripping
through his shirt, scoring into his unprotected skin. His mind racing, Yami gritted his teeth against the
searing pain. He waited as the bar lifted off of him, before rolling out of the way as Ken brought it
down again. Ignoring the pain the movement caused to his burning back, Yami flipped himself up,
malicious eyes now full of fury and vicious intent. He moved again, faster than Ken's eyes could
follow, wrenching the crowbar from the blonde's grasp, now decorated with his own blood. He swiftly
returned the earlier attack, smashing the metal down on the youth. Ken fell to the floor, curling into a
ball as the bloodstained alloy repeated it's torment over and over again; as the vampire beat down
mercilessly upon him.
"No one beats me with a metal bar and gets away with it."
***********************************************************************************
Yuugi listened to the agonising screams, the tormenting sound ringing in his ears even though his
hands still covered his ears. Tear ridden eyes looked up, drenched cheeks reddened as he gazed over as
his yami beat the youth.
Was this just?
The youth had plagued Yuugi for years, followed them even when Yami had warned his to stay away
and beaten the vampire with the same object he now used against it's owner. But through all this Yuugi
could not see what the point in this was. It wasn't justice, it wasn't fair; it was pure brutal reprisal.
Beating someone to their death was complete cruelty, no matter how evil the person. And it screamed
mercy in Yuugi's soul. He scrambled up, his conscience refusing to let this continue.
***********************************************************************************
Yami raised the bloodied bar, preparing to bring it back down upon the broken and bruised form before
him. Something darted into his eye line as he brought it down. Crimson eyes widened in surprise, the
dripping bar halting mid-air as he gaped down at Yuugi, the small teen trembling as he lay shielding
the blood covered youth.
"Yuugi what are you doing?! Let me finish what I started" Yami growled, a deep frown littering his
brow.
The violet eyed teen gazed back up at him, shaking his head as more tears fell. "No Yami. I won't let
you. He does not deserve this brutality! No one does, you're being purely evil- I don't know this side of
you and I don't want to. If-if you kill him then you'll have to kill me to. Even if I don't like him, I
know this isn't right. Please…for me, stop."
Yami was bewildered. Here was his hikari standing up for someone who had tormented him for
months, pleading for his very existence to be spared. He couldn't kill his hikari in his revenge, but the
idea of letting the youth off so _lightly_ annoyed Yami.
Pleading violet eyes fell on his blood-red gaze, softening their depths as he looked into Yuugi's
tearstained face. The bloodied crowbar fell from his loosened grip, clanking against the wet tarmac as it
fell. Golden bangs stuck to his soaked face, ivory skin covered in large droplets of rain. The act of
compassion before him moved the vampire more than he wanted to admit. Nothing and no one showed
that much consideration for others in his world.
And this confused Yami.
Why show it? Was it something that human's could do within a split second yet would take a vampire
an eternity to learn? Yami didn't know. All he knew was that Yuugi would not watch another being
murdered in cold blood.
"I-I am sorry Yuugi" Yami whispered quietly, surprised by the words that escaped his mouth. Was he
actually _ashamed_ of what he had done, what he had done all his life? So many things were
bewildering the Game King, making him realise truths he'd never known.
Yuugi slouched forward, away from Ken; his shoulders trembling as he held his hands to his face,
hiding the tears that fell, his soul flooded with emotion, some of which entered Yami through their
connection. Bending down, Yami picked the sobbing teen up in his arms, holding Yuugi tightly against
his chest, shielding the figure of innocence from the bloodied scene before them; ignoring the pain that
his back screamed at him. He started to walk away, the driving rain beating down on his bruised and
slashed back; turning back to gaze at the five youths behind them. None were dead, though some were
nearing it's gates. One crawled over to his friend, who in turned gasped for breath through his damaged
windpipe, another heading to Ken. The battered youth looked up at Yami, then at Yuugi, he
consciousness fading in his dull eyes. His face was etched with surprise, he hadn't thought Yuugi
would want him saved. Perhaps the short teen held within his yami's arms was more forgiving than
anyone, his innocence blinding him from evil and corruption. Darkness enveloped Ken as he watched
Yami disappear from view.
***********************************************************************************
Yami knocked the back door open with his elbow, stepping inside, out of the pelting rain that cloaked
the streets. Yuugi shivered in his arms, the freezing rain chilling him to his soul. Slowed tears mingled
with the droplets that littered his pale face, making it hard to tell which was which.
Yami was cold, but his own body could cope with it better than Yuugi's. He ran through the house, to
an airing cupboard he had seen earlier. He pulled a large thick blanket out with one hand, the other
stilling holding his hikari. Grabbing a thick fleece from the coat rack as he went past he made his way
to the deserted living room; where he sat on one of the sofas, keeping Yuugi on his lap. Removing his
own sodden leather top, he revealed the hardened muscles of his torso, Yami threw the garment to the
floor. Quick fingers moved to Yuugi's shirt, undoing the buckles and straps, pulling his from his
drenched body.
Yuugi looked at Yami with bleary eyes, half consumed by the cold. "What are you doing?" his words
came out dull and slurred.
Yami glanced at the child, his face pale, soaked blonde bangs dripping onto his bare shoulders. "You're
too cold, if you stay in the same clothes you are going to get hypothermia."
The answer was simple, but it took Yuugi's dulling mind a few seconds to register what was said. His
thoughts strayed back to Ken, mental images of the teen lying bloodied on the concrete bringing fresh
tears down his cheeks. He vaguely felt his yami remove his clinging jeans, leaving the boy in his
boxers, before he felt the soft fabric of the fleece wrap around his upper body.
Yami unfolded the massive blanket, draping it around his own shoulders before pulling Yuugi closer to
his bare skin, wrapping the blanket around both of them.
"Me'a Naurim lhach."
Yami's quiet spell produced a ball of fire, letting it shoot over to the traditional fireplace, lighting the
fresh logs in its depths. The new blaze crackled merrily, brightening the dark room as well as warming
it. He hugged Yuugi firmly, brushing the youth's hair from his face, noting the tears that still streaked
his face as sleep began to take him. The protective feeling that gripped his soul flared up again, the
same feeling that sparked his attack on Ken earlier; before his own revenge took over, turning the
warm feeling to one of cold rage. It _hurt_ the vampire to see such an innocent child cry, it was as
unnatural as he was in this world.
"I am sorry," Yami found himself apologising again for his actions, a thing he would not to with
anyone else, "I know you do not agree with my actions, but when we get to my world, you will find
little that is better."
Yuugi nodded sleepily, relaxing under Yami's gentle tone, though he heard little of what was said.
Even if he didn't agree with the vampire he knew it was Yami's instincts that controlled his actions. He
was born a brutal killer, he couldn't change that fact.
But now as he sat in Yami's warm arms, his heart doubted that fact. True Yami was _born_ that way
but did it make him evil? Would an evil being protect someone who wasn't even part of their own
species? The answer was simple.
No.
Yami may be a vampire, but that did not mean he was amoral. Not completely anyway. Despite all the
thoughts that drifted through his mind, Yuugi's exhausted senses gave way to the relaxing grip of
sleep.
Yami felt Yuugi go limp in his arms, crimson eyes checking over the soft angelic face of his hikari.
Satisfied that he was simply asleep, Yami let himself lean back further into the cushioned sofa. Yuugi's
head rested against his bare chest, moving up and down with the rhythm of his breathing.
In the few days Yami had been in Yuugi's world, he had changed more than he had in 700 years. He
couldn't remember the last dramatic change he had had. His need to maintain his position in the
Shadowed world still drove him to return, but here on earth things seemed so much easier, more
advanced. They had schools, strange objects that moved down hard stone-like roads, a bizarre
invention Yuugi had called electricity. All these things and more.
They may have things that Yami found intriguing, but inside he knew he didn't _belong_ here, this
wasn't _his_ world. It was the human's. Not the Darkwolve's, not the vampire's.
But what Yami found almost fearful was that his _heart_ had changed. Before he had come to this
world, before he had met his hikari, the Game King had been the most cold hearted, malicious vampire
in his kingdom; earning him his position of King, just as his forefathers had been. Weak vampires
didn't make royalty. Even those without noble blood in the vampire kingdom could become king if
they killed the existing one in the proclaimed challenge.
Now the ruler's cold heart was melting, letting it beat with emotions other than hate, anger and a need
for dominance.
And this scared Yami.
He didn't understand why one person would affect him so much, why one _human_ would affect him.
Yami sighed. This wasn't how he had seen himself 150 years ago…
***Flashback***********************************************************************
~Shadow World 1850 AD. Reign of Tyaro~
He was losing.
Blood ran openly from the cuts and slashes his body had obtained. His forearms where bruised above
his leather arm guards, his repeated defensive manoeuvring earning him a reward of pain for his
efforts.
"You shouldn't have challenged me scum! When I'm done with you there won't be anything left of
that pretty face of yours. You're barely half my age and you hope to win? Foolish _child_."
A deep growl erupted from his throat, long canines bared in unadulterated rage. No one had called him
a child in 200 years. And all that could be said of that particular vampire was that he never spoke a
word of it again. He smirked. Come to think of it he never said anything again.
Swift reflexes, slowed through pain as they were, saved his hurting body from more abuse. Flipping
himself onto his feet from his position on the ground, the youthful faced vampire circled the other,
watching his opponent's movements carefully. The other may think of him as young and foolish but
this fight had barely begun in his eyes. Challenging a King was no joke. Only the best fighters, the
most ruthless and vicious vampires dared to try and take leadership. Those not strong enough died at
the hands of the King.
But now the malevolent gaze was concentrated on the elder vampire's lithe form, the scent of newly
shed blood escaping from several wounds dotted over his body. Darkened eyes fell on a deep slash that
had been raked in the elder's shoulder by his silver bladed sabre, before it had been lost earlier in their
fight.
His stance changed, moving with almost feline grace, charging at his opponent, heading for the King's
right side. Quick silver eyes darted with the young vampire's movements, dodging left as was
anticipated.
The youth smirked, watching his plan fall into play. Moving left with the King, he struck the deep
shoulder wound, sending the vampire's world reeling in agony. The elder being gave a savage snarl,
trying to fight back the malicious onslaught that came out him in a blur of crimson. His efforts failed as
the tide of the fight began to turn.
The youth continued forward, punching, kicking and slashing wherever open wounds were in view.
The spectators of the combat gazed at the pair their faces grim. The elder vampire was losing, a thing
he had not done even before he had taken the title of King from Bison.
His breathing was laboured as his actions slowed. This vampire was expeditious, and used his skill to
wear away at his opponent, attacking their weak spots mercilessly. He found himself on his knees; the
youthful faced vampire behind him with a sinewy arm locked about his throat.
"No one calls me a child Tyaro, especially not a fallen King."
The silent crowd watched from the stands as the victorious vampire plunged his teeth into Tyaro's
neck; a tradition of the fight.
Blood poured warmly down his throat as he drank from the other vampire, a new sensation of immense
power flowing through his veins. Snapping his head back up, a barbarous smile dancing on his face,
baring his long incisors to their full extent as he looked at the roaring crowd. Grabbing the fallen
King's cheeks, he dug his fingers into the tender flesh, the blood running freely down Tyaro's face as
the youth gave a violent twist and yank.
Holding the former King's head up for all to see, the spectator's roar rose to a level louder than
thunder.
"Hail the Game King, Yami-Yuugi King of Vampires!"
***End Flashback********************************************************************
Life would never be the same after he had won the Emperor's challenge. Many more had taken place
after that, Yami always coming out victorious, his opponent's bodies left in mangled, bloodied states.
The vampires had functioned well with him as leader for 150 years, obtaining respect from them
through being malignant and cold hearted.
But what if they saw his heart was melting, letting a new emotion flow through his veins. One that
Yuugi created the day he had set eyes on the innocent human.
And what of Tikato?
The vampire despised Yami being King, never accepting him as the Vampire's true monarch. He had
left Yami's clan, the Ilfirin Clan, creating his own one. Now that the Game King was not in the
Shadow World it wouldn't be long before Tikato found out. Hopefully Kiyo managed to convince
those who had little contact with the vampire that he was still there. If he hadn't, then there would be
chaos.
Yami's alertness slowly wore itself down as he became lost in thought and memory, warmed by the
light of the fire; comfortable with Yuugi safe in his arms. Crimson eyes drooped as his exhausted and
beaten body gave into sleep's clutches.
***********************************************************************************
Violet eyes blinked open, their body missing the relaxing rhythm of his yami's slow breathing.
Blinking, Yuugi looked about the living room, noting that it was still dark except for the warm ember
of the fire.
"Yami?" he called, voice dampened with sleep as he sat up, grasping the blanket around his newly
warmed body. He looked over at the doorway, spying Yami walk past and up the stairs. The youth
stood, making his way over to the doorway.
He almost walked into Yami who was returning from upstairs, the book he had been given by his
grandfather in the vampire's hands.
"It's time we started" Yami stated, his voice emotionless, his words confusing Yuugi.
Frowning the teen followed Yami into the living room, glancing at the digital clock on the table. 3:02.
"Start what?"
Placing the book down lightly on the table, wincing slightly as he aggravated the deep slashes on his
back. Turning back to Yuugi he noted his confused frown.
"It's time for us to leave. We're going back to my world when dawn breaks. We have to go to the
forest though to perform the spell" he explained, watching the bewilderment vanish from the youth's
face.
Violet eyes noticed the unusual tension of the vampire's body, especially his back. "Let me see your
back."
"I'm fine."
Yuugi glared into the stubborn crimson eyes before him, refusing to back down.
"No, you're not. I'm not going anywhere with you until I've seen your back" Yuugi folded his arms
resolutely, raising one eyebrow.
Yami scowled, before turning away from his hikari, bare back decorated with burning stripes of red
welts and deep slashes, dried blood edging the ripped flesh.
Yuugi's breath caught in his throat. "Oh Yami, why didn't you let me tend them earlier?"
Going through to the kitchen, the teen retrieved the spared first aid box, a wad of bandages and a bowl
of water. Switching the lights on he directed the vampire to the sofa.
"You were upset enough as it was, I did not want to trouble you further" Yami mumbled, bloody eyes
gazing into the fireplace. He growled in pain as the water soaked cloth touched his wounds, bringing
fresh agony across his skin.
Yuugi didn't answer but continued to clean the open gashes and bruised welts. He apologised when the
vampire winced or jerked away from the crimson cloth, the soft touch goading the lacerations. Both
hikari and yami were left in their individual thoughts as Yuugi started binding the vampire's marred
back.
***********************************************************************************
Darkness held the trees within it's inimical clutches, shadowing the forest with a sombre serenity.
Yuugi jogged to keep up with Yami's attenuated strides, his expression solemn as his violet eyes darted
about his surroundings, catching their last glance at his world. He knew little of the Shadowed world;
Yami having only talked about it briefly. All he knew was that it was full of vampires, Darkwolves and
other such beings. Humans were there for one purpose- feeding.
Their route took them to the cliffs, roaring waves crashing against the jagged faces, drowning out other
sounds. The darkness was beginning to edge away as morning light began it's vertical route on the
horizon. It was almost time.
Yami stopped abruptly, Yuugi almost banging into him. His wide violet eyes gazed up into Yami's
dark crimson ones as he faced the youth, the ancient volume placed on the ground next to them. He
stepped back as Yami advanced towards him, a strange light shining in the blood-red depths.
"W-what are you doing?" Yuugi jumped back as the vampire lowered his head down to Yuugi's level,
slender fingers looking to unbuckle his neck belt.
He felt the warm leather being removed, letting the cool breeze run over his smooth neck. The warm
digits pressed against his lips as Yami's voice spoke in a calm whisper. "Shh, it'll all be over in a
second."
The voice were eerily chilling, sending a tight shiver up Yuugi's spine, making his blood run cold.
Confusion held him in place as Yami's face drew nearer to his own, only centimetres away. The youth
found his body responding as the vampire's lips brushed his before capturing them in a kiss.
It was a moment unlike any other to Yami. He had kissed others before but this held something he was
frightened of losing. It wasn't a moment of hate, of revenge or greed; but one of passion, of true inner
feelings.
And Yuugi was responding to the moment. He felt the heightened emotion run through his body as the
vampire's tongue slipped past the deadly twin canines into his mouth; running over every grove and
mark with intensified desire.
As the moment ended, Yami's mouth sank lower down towards Yuugi's neck, the teen unaware of
what the Game King was doing until he felt the prick of sharp incisors nipping his skin.
Yuugi jerked away, hand held to his neck defensively. "Yami what the hell are you doing?!"
Yami opened his mouth to answer but stopped first. Why was he going to do that? Shaking various
thoughts away, he gazed at his hikari.
"I have to."
"Why?" Yuugi's voice held his hurt, the betrayal he felt written over his face. He gasped as Yami
stepped forward, grabbing his upper arms firmly. "Because if I don't then you'll be killed! Because I
don't want to see you hurt! Because…I don't want to lose you. It's the only way."
Yuugi's frown disappeared as he gazed into Yami's face, seeing the sincerity of his words. His eyes
dropped to the ground as he shook his head, knees buckling slightly, only still standing because of the
Vampire King's hands.
"I-I can't…I don't want to be like you, I don't want to murder others just so I may live.
Please…don't…please…" The teen's voice was barely above a whisper as he pleaded helplessly.
"But what else can I do?" Yami asked, his tone holding his own impotent plea.
He gazed down into melting violet eyes, spying the anguish within them, momentarily fired with a glint
of hope.
"If you're King you have enough power to protect me, just like you said you would. Why can you not
do as you said you would?" Yuugi inquired, voicing what little hope he had left.
The vampire's loyalty was torn. He knew what he had said and he would do all he could to keep his
word, but how far would that hold? Would that promise be enough to save the boy from his world?
Yami's eyes darted over the ocean, landing on the light that was rising. He had to make and decision
and he had to make it _now_.
"Alright, I will stand by my word, but I do not know if that alone will protect you. I will do all I can to
keep you safe" Yami pledged, seeing the hope shine slightly brighter.
"Arigatou Yami" Yuugi hugged the vampire gratefully, feeling sheltered in the strong arms the
encircled him.
The yami pulled away again, stooping down to pick up the antediluvian volume, the rising sun at his
side. Flicking through the yellowed pages he scanned the spells and incantations until he found what he
wanted.
"You can read that?"
Yami glanced up at Yuugi. "Of course I can, it's written in Vampire script. Only Vampire Sages and
magick users can read it. Being King I had to learn it."
Yuugi felt his Puzzle warm as Yami began to chant, a soft golden glow emanating from it, intensifying
as the vampire continued. Both hikari and yami were unaware of the eyes that watched them from the
forest's cover.
A quick wind began to ruffle Yuugi's crown of black, gold and crimson, swirling around him as Yami
continued, his words barely audible in the howling gale that surrounded them.
Panic began to fill the youth's pounding heart as the now vivid golden light from his Puzzle grew,
threatening to envelop his diminutive frame. He faintly heard Yami's chanting stop, the light blinding
Yuugi with it's vigour. He felt a pair of comforting arms wrapped around his waist, hugging him to
Yami's quickly rising and falling chest. He closed his eyes, tightly clinging to his yami as the light
engulfed them.
Yuugi felt his senses numb as his world gained a dizzying sensation of floating. A wave of sadness
gripped the youth's heart as he realised that he had nowhere left to run to; only the darkness that
clouded his mind, claiming his consciousness.
This was it.
***********************************************************************************
End Notes:
FC: phew! Well that took longer than expected XD
Flareon Muse: -.- they always do
FC: *ignores her muse's comment* anyways I would like to apologise for the shortness of this chapter,
the loooong period of time it took to come out and the sappiness near the end XD Gomen Nasai!!! Oh
and some of the words used I don't own either the Grey Company own them!
Zoo: Wheee me again now ^.^
Eevee Muse: ~.~
FC: ^-^ See ya later guys and please review! ^_~
FC: ^-^ Wohoo for Zoo-chan!!! Great work on your chapter and you fight scene was excellent ^^
Flareon Muse: well hopefully you'll get your chapter out faster than your last!
FC: *face faults* it wasn't all _that_ long to come out
Eevee Muse: -.- yes it was and so was this one
FC: @.@ Zoo…back up? Please? Zoo? *looks around and sees Zoo lost in a mountain of Ryou,
Bakura, Yuugi and Yami plushies*
Zoo: ^____^
Eevee & Flareon Muses: o.O;;;;
FC: Yay!!! *dives into mountain*
Zoo: Enjoy the chapter peeps!
FC: Oh and I apologise to anyone who was disturbed and/or felt ill from my graphic scenes before ^^V
Eevee Muse: You still going to counselling, because of working with FC?
Flareon Muse: *nods* yep
Eevee Muse: do they work?
Flareon Muse: …
FC: *big teary eyes* you so mean…
Zoo: *lost under the plushies* see ya in the endnotes!
Warnings: Graphic violence, blood, gore, death, some language
***********************************************************************************
"…And most importantly, I am free in all the ways you are not"
-Tyler Durden, Fight Club
***********************************************************************************
Chapter 9- Retribution
Yuugi had to run to keep up with Yami's long wrathful strides, swallowing hard as he glanced at the
vampire's glaring expression. Was he wrong to have gone back to find Yami? He had left Jou
intending to go back to the Game Shop but a feeling had made his gut twinge with one he didn't
understand. Unsure of what it meant, he had gone to find the vampire, his senses heightened in the
gloomy silent forest. Once he had found Yami obviously tracking something, he had stuck close
reassured by the Game King's presence. But those thoughts weren't what plagued his mind.
Ryou did.
Yuugi couldn't believe what he had seen. Had Ryou _actually_ melded from a wolf to a human, or
were his amplified senses playing with his imagination? It just couldn't be possible- it had to have been
his mind, but…Yuugi hesitated. With all he had seen since Yami had appeared he didn't know what
was possible and what was not. Had that _thing_ with Ryou been one of the race that branded his own
yami, that had marked him for his entire immortal life just for one kill of their own?
The boy understood that they had been angry but he did not understand why they felt they a right to
label someone as a murderer when so many had got away with doing the _exact_ same thing. It wasn't
right or fair. Sympathy welled in the youth's heart for his yami. If only life was easy, none of it might
have happened, if the two sides could be at peace with one another…
Yami stalked on, boots crushing dead leaves into the dried ground as he took no noticed of how much
noise he made. How did that Darkwolf get to this world? What business did he have here? But more
important than how or what was why. Why was the Darkwolf here?
The questions puzzled Yami, his annoyed mind causing an angry aura to emanate from his body. The
very air seemed to whip about him, the trees ostensibly shrinking away from him in fear. Insects
stopped their random babbling, nocturnal creatures backed away before running back to their nests. A
vampire was one thing, an infuriated vampire was another. That mere fact that the Darkwolf had
mocked him because of his mark edged the fury he held in his grasp.
As Yuugi walked alongside the vampire he felt the tinge of fear that turned his stomach fade to
nothing. Why, he didn't know, but whatever caused that tinge to fade left him with a sense of security,
one that left him unafraid of Yami when he was angry. He was the vampire's hikari and Yuugi knew he
would not hurt him intentionally. He had learnt that over the days he had been with Yami- if he was
going to hurt him the vampire would have by now. While all else crept away from the King of
Vampires, Yuugi didn't even flinch as he walked beside Yami.
***********************************************************************************
Cold rain began to fall as the pair walked into Domino City and down an alley, dark silhouettes
outlined themselves in the night's shadow; watching them as they walked. One, taller than the others
signalled them to move, following the pair down the alley.
Yami's sharp senses had picked up the shadowed group earlier but had paid them no heed. Now he
heard the soft slap of the group's feet as they came up behind the Game King. He glanced at Yuugi,
who glanced back at him. Communicating without words but with a simple flicker of eyes, Yami
turned; pushing Yuugi gently behind him, keeping one hand on the youth's side as a reassuring him.
Crimson eyes scanned over the group of five, a familiar face appearing as the leader. His face twisted
in an angry sneer, Ken, the bully from the cafeteria, stood forward of the other four. His wispy brown
fringe moved in the cool breeze, his green eyes full of anger.
"We have unfinished business" he voice spoke the rage in his mind as he pointed a glinting crowbar at
the vampire. He had run in shame once, now it was the mysterious new guy's turn to run.
Yami shook his head a barbaric smirk dancing across amused features. "I didn't know you were _that_
eager to have to shit beaten out of you. Or are you just too dense to understand simple demands?"
Quiet sniggers came from a couple of the thugs behind Ken. Did this guy really think he could beat
them all? Ken silenced the sniggers with a raged glare. Turning back to Yami he held his position,
unwilling to show fear. "You can't win again all of us and when we're finished with you…" Ken
pointed the crowbar at Yuugi, "we'll see that runt's face twisted a new way."
Yuugi didn't like where this was going. He shrunk behind Yami, dread filling his mind. Yami gave his
arm a gentle squeeze, comforting the smaller boy as his crimson eyes presented a look of boredom.
Enraged by Yami's complete lack of fear, Ken signalled to the four behind him, watching them run at
the Game King, moonlight glinting off knife blades as they lunged.
The next few moments became a blur for Yuugi. He vaguely remembered being pushed against a cold
wall, lost in the wet shadowed depths, partially hidden from view. Wide violet eyes watched the chaos
before him, pained cries filling his ears. Flashes of black, blonde and crimson darted throughout the
fight, driven by unnatural gracefulness. The violet eyes closed as Yuugi sank to the ground, tears
falling from his closed lids as he pulled his knees up to his chest; hands covering his ears trying to
block out the cries and shouts.
***********************************************************************************
Yami moved with all the refinement and agility of his kind, pushing Yuugi back out of the fray against
one of the dark walls, concealing him from the group, before dodging nimbly aside. He was between
the boys in the blink of a eye, wreaking havoc in their midst. The first guy, a tall muscular blonde
looked around widely, blinking in confusion when he found the vampire was no longer in front of him.
He turned to look for the agile being when he felt steely hands wrap around his neck, flipping him over
onto his back, sadistic crimson eyes lit by the moon staring down at him. Before he could react Yami's
boot crashed down on his throat, partially crushing his windpipe.
The malicious eyes moved constantly with the vampire as he danced between the remaining three who
were still on their feet. Grabbing the next youth by his arm, Yami grinned as he twisted it behind his
back before viciously yanking it up, resounding it a loud snap as the arm broke, releasing a painful
howl from it's owner. A knee rammed into his stomach and smacked into his nose, cracking it as he
bent forward under the blow to his stomach, oozing blood pouring down his lip.
The next two suffered similarly, before Yami turned on Ken who stood gripping the silvery crowbar,
attempting to stop his arm from trembling. He swallowed his fear, raising the crowbar, as Yami rushed
him. He brought the bar down, seeking to hit the vampire about his head with the metal. Yami dodged
with lightning reflexes, slamming his fist against Ken's cheek, the silver ring, engraved with the
vampire king's emblem that had gone unnoticed by all before, slashing a deep jagged cut along his
cheekbone. Ken cried out in pain and rage, swinging his bar again; Yami dodging to the left as the
youth had anticipated. He moved his arm with split second timing, whacking it across Yami's back,
knocking him to the ground.
Growling at his own mistake, the Game King began to push himself back up from the drenched ground,
the rain beating down hard on his vulnerable form. He winced as the cruel metal bar whipped his back,
forcing him back onto the ground; leaving a stinging welt across his back, even though his leather shirt
absorbed some of the blow. It continued to beat down mercilessly on him, the hooked end ripping
through his shirt, scoring into his unprotected skin. His mind racing, Yami gritted his teeth against the
searing pain. He waited as the bar lifted off of him, before rolling out of the way as Ken brought it
down again. Ignoring the pain the movement caused to his burning back, Yami flipped himself up,
malicious eyes now full of fury and vicious intent. He moved again, faster than Ken's eyes could
follow, wrenching the crowbar from the blonde's grasp, now decorated with his own blood. He swiftly
returned the earlier attack, smashing the metal down on the youth. Ken fell to the floor, curling into a
ball as the bloodstained alloy repeated it's torment over and over again; as the vampire beat down
mercilessly upon him.
"No one beats me with a metal bar and gets away with it."
***********************************************************************************
Yuugi listened to the agonising screams, the tormenting sound ringing in his ears even though his
hands still covered his ears. Tear ridden eyes looked up, drenched cheeks reddened as he gazed over as
his yami beat the youth.
Was this just?
The youth had plagued Yuugi for years, followed them even when Yami had warned his to stay away
and beaten the vampire with the same object he now used against it's owner. But through all this Yuugi
could not see what the point in this was. It wasn't justice, it wasn't fair; it was pure brutal reprisal.
Beating someone to their death was complete cruelty, no matter how evil the person. And it screamed
mercy in Yuugi's soul. He scrambled up, his conscience refusing to let this continue.
***********************************************************************************
Yami raised the bloodied bar, preparing to bring it back down upon the broken and bruised form before
him. Something darted into his eye line as he brought it down. Crimson eyes widened in surprise, the
dripping bar halting mid-air as he gaped down at Yuugi, the small teen trembling as he lay shielding
the blood covered youth.
"Yuugi what are you doing?! Let me finish what I started" Yami growled, a deep frown littering his
brow.
The violet eyed teen gazed back up at him, shaking his head as more tears fell. "No Yami. I won't let
you. He does not deserve this brutality! No one does, you're being purely evil- I don't know this side of
you and I don't want to. If-if you kill him then you'll have to kill me to. Even if I don't like him, I
know this isn't right. Please…for me, stop."
Yami was bewildered. Here was his hikari standing up for someone who had tormented him for
months, pleading for his very existence to be spared. He couldn't kill his hikari in his revenge, but the
idea of letting the youth off so _lightly_ annoyed Yami.
Pleading violet eyes fell on his blood-red gaze, softening their depths as he looked into Yuugi's
tearstained face. The bloodied crowbar fell from his loosened grip, clanking against the wet tarmac as it
fell. Golden bangs stuck to his soaked face, ivory skin covered in large droplets of rain. The act of
compassion before him moved the vampire more than he wanted to admit. Nothing and no one showed
that much consideration for others in his world.
And this confused Yami.
Why show it? Was it something that human's could do within a split second yet would take a vampire
an eternity to learn? Yami didn't know. All he knew was that Yuugi would not watch another being
murdered in cold blood.
"I-I am sorry Yuugi" Yami whispered quietly, surprised by the words that escaped his mouth. Was he
actually _ashamed_ of what he had done, what he had done all his life? So many things were
bewildering the Game King, making him realise truths he'd never known.
Yuugi slouched forward, away from Ken; his shoulders trembling as he held his hands to his face,
hiding the tears that fell, his soul flooded with emotion, some of which entered Yami through their
connection. Bending down, Yami picked the sobbing teen up in his arms, holding Yuugi tightly against
his chest, shielding the figure of innocence from the bloodied scene before them; ignoring the pain that
his back screamed at him. He started to walk away, the driving rain beating down on his bruised and
slashed back; turning back to gaze at the five youths behind them. None were dead, though some were
nearing it's gates. One crawled over to his friend, who in turned gasped for breath through his damaged
windpipe, another heading to Ken. The battered youth looked up at Yami, then at Yuugi, he
consciousness fading in his dull eyes. His face was etched with surprise, he hadn't thought Yuugi
would want him saved. Perhaps the short teen held within his yami's arms was more forgiving than
anyone, his innocence blinding him from evil and corruption. Darkness enveloped Ken as he watched
Yami disappear from view.
***********************************************************************************
Yami knocked the back door open with his elbow, stepping inside, out of the pelting rain that cloaked
the streets. Yuugi shivered in his arms, the freezing rain chilling him to his soul. Slowed tears mingled
with the droplets that littered his pale face, making it hard to tell which was which.
Yami was cold, but his own body could cope with it better than Yuugi's. He ran through the house, to
an airing cupboard he had seen earlier. He pulled a large thick blanket out with one hand, the other
stilling holding his hikari. Grabbing a thick fleece from the coat rack as he went past he made his way
to the deserted living room; where he sat on one of the sofas, keeping Yuugi on his lap. Removing his
own sodden leather top, he revealed the hardened muscles of his torso, Yami threw the garment to the
floor. Quick fingers moved to Yuugi's shirt, undoing the buckles and straps, pulling his from his
drenched body.
Yuugi looked at Yami with bleary eyes, half consumed by the cold. "What are you doing?" his words
came out dull and slurred.
Yami glanced at the child, his face pale, soaked blonde bangs dripping onto his bare shoulders. "You're
too cold, if you stay in the same clothes you are going to get hypothermia."
The answer was simple, but it took Yuugi's dulling mind a few seconds to register what was said. His
thoughts strayed back to Ken, mental images of the teen lying bloodied on the concrete bringing fresh
tears down his cheeks. He vaguely felt his yami remove his clinging jeans, leaving the boy in his
boxers, before he felt the soft fabric of the fleece wrap around his upper body.
Yami unfolded the massive blanket, draping it around his own shoulders before pulling Yuugi closer to
his bare skin, wrapping the blanket around both of them.
"Me'a Naurim lhach."
Yami's quiet spell produced a ball of fire, letting it shoot over to the traditional fireplace, lighting the
fresh logs in its depths. The new blaze crackled merrily, brightening the dark room as well as warming
it. He hugged Yuugi firmly, brushing the youth's hair from his face, noting the tears that still streaked
his face as sleep began to take him. The protective feeling that gripped his soul flared up again, the
same feeling that sparked his attack on Ken earlier; before his own revenge took over, turning the
warm feeling to one of cold rage. It _hurt_ the vampire to see such an innocent child cry, it was as
unnatural as he was in this world.
"I am sorry," Yami found himself apologising again for his actions, a thing he would not to with
anyone else, "I know you do not agree with my actions, but when we get to my world, you will find
little that is better."
Yuugi nodded sleepily, relaxing under Yami's gentle tone, though he heard little of what was said.
Even if he didn't agree with the vampire he knew it was Yami's instincts that controlled his actions. He
was born a brutal killer, he couldn't change that fact.
But now as he sat in Yami's warm arms, his heart doubted that fact. True Yami was _born_ that way
but did it make him evil? Would an evil being protect someone who wasn't even part of their own
species? The answer was simple.
No.
Yami may be a vampire, but that did not mean he was amoral. Not completely anyway. Despite all the
thoughts that drifted through his mind, Yuugi's exhausted senses gave way to the relaxing grip of
sleep.
Yami felt Yuugi go limp in his arms, crimson eyes checking over the soft angelic face of his hikari.
Satisfied that he was simply asleep, Yami let himself lean back further into the cushioned sofa. Yuugi's
head rested against his bare chest, moving up and down with the rhythm of his breathing.
In the few days Yami had been in Yuugi's world, he had changed more than he had in 700 years. He
couldn't remember the last dramatic change he had had. His need to maintain his position in the
Shadowed world still drove him to return, but here on earth things seemed so much easier, more
advanced. They had schools, strange objects that moved down hard stone-like roads, a bizarre
invention Yuugi had called electricity. All these things and more.
They may have things that Yami found intriguing, but inside he knew he didn't _belong_ here, this
wasn't _his_ world. It was the human's. Not the Darkwolve's, not the vampire's.
But what Yami found almost fearful was that his _heart_ had changed. Before he had come to this
world, before he had met his hikari, the Game King had been the most cold hearted, malicious vampire
in his kingdom; earning him his position of King, just as his forefathers had been. Weak vampires
didn't make royalty. Even those without noble blood in the vampire kingdom could become king if
they killed the existing one in the proclaimed challenge.
Now the ruler's cold heart was melting, letting it beat with emotions other than hate, anger and a need
for dominance.
And this scared Yami.
He didn't understand why one person would affect him so much, why one _human_ would affect him.
Yami sighed. This wasn't how he had seen himself 150 years ago…
***Flashback***********************************************************************
~Shadow World 1850 AD. Reign of Tyaro~
He was losing.
Blood ran openly from the cuts and slashes his body had obtained. His forearms where bruised above
his leather arm guards, his repeated defensive manoeuvring earning him a reward of pain for his
efforts.
"You shouldn't have challenged me scum! When I'm done with you there won't be anything left of
that pretty face of yours. You're barely half my age and you hope to win? Foolish _child_."
A deep growl erupted from his throat, long canines bared in unadulterated rage. No one had called him
a child in 200 years. And all that could be said of that particular vampire was that he never spoke a
word of it again. He smirked. Come to think of it he never said anything again.
Swift reflexes, slowed through pain as they were, saved his hurting body from more abuse. Flipping
himself onto his feet from his position on the ground, the youthful faced vampire circled the other,
watching his opponent's movements carefully. The other may think of him as young and foolish but
this fight had barely begun in his eyes. Challenging a King was no joke. Only the best fighters, the
most ruthless and vicious vampires dared to try and take leadership. Those not strong enough died at
the hands of the King.
But now the malevolent gaze was concentrated on the elder vampire's lithe form, the scent of newly
shed blood escaping from several wounds dotted over his body. Darkened eyes fell on a deep slash that
had been raked in the elder's shoulder by his silver bladed sabre, before it had been lost earlier in their
fight.
His stance changed, moving with almost feline grace, charging at his opponent, heading for the King's
right side. Quick silver eyes darted with the young vampire's movements, dodging left as was
anticipated.
The youth smirked, watching his plan fall into play. Moving left with the King, he struck the deep
shoulder wound, sending the vampire's world reeling in agony. The elder being gave a savage snarl,
trying to fight back the malicious onslaught that came out him in a blur of crimson. His efforts failed as
the tide of the fight began to turn.
The youth continued forward, punching, kicking and slashing wherever open wounds were in view.
The spectators of the combat gazed at the pair their faces grim. The elder vampire was losing, a thing
he had not done even before he had taken the title of King from Bison.
His breathing was laboured as his actions slowed. This vampire was expeditious, and used his skill to
wear away at his opponent, attacking their weak spots mercilessly. He found himself on his knees; the
youthful faced vampire behind him with a sinewy arm locked about his throat.
"No one calls me a child Tyaro, especially not a fallen King."
The silent crowd watched from the stands as the victorious vampire plunged his teeth into Tyaro's
neck; a tradition of the fight.
Blood poured warmly down his throat as he drank from the other vampire, a new sensation of immense
power flowing through his veins. Snapping his head back up, a barbarous smile dancing on his face,
baring his long incisors to their full extent as he looked at the roaring crowd. Grabbing the fallen
King's cheeks, he dug his fingers into the tender flesh, the blood running freely down Tyaro's face as
the youth gave a violent twist and yank.
Holding the former King's head up for all to see, the spectator's roar rose to a level louder than
thunder.
"Hail the Game King, Yami-Yuugi King of Vampires!"
***End Flashback********************************************************************
Life would never be the same after he had won the Emperor's challenge. Many more had taken place
after that, Yami always coming out victorious, his opponent's bodies left in mangled, bloodied states.
The vampires had functioned well with him as leader for 150 years, obtaining respect from them
through being malignant and cold hearted.
But what if they saw his heart was melting, letting a new emotion flow through his veins. One that
Yuugi created the day he had set eyes on the innocent human.
And what of Tikato?
The vampire despised Yami being King, never accepting him as the Vampire's true monarch. He had
left Yami's clan, the Ilfirin Clan, creating his own one. Now that the Game King was not in the
Shadow World it wouldn't be long before Tikato found out. Hopefully Kiyo managed to convince
those who had little contact with the vampire that he was still there. If he hadn't, then there would be
chaos.
Yami's alertness slowly wore itself down as he became lost in thought and memory, warmed by the
light of the fire; comfortable with Yuugi safe in his arms. Crimson eyes drooped as his exhausted and
beaten body gave into sleep's clutches.
***********************************************************************************
Violet eyes blinked open, their body missing the relaxing rhythm of his yami's slow breathing.
Blinking, Yuugi looked about the living room, noting that it was still dark except for the warm ember
of the fire.
"Yami?" he called, voice dampened with sleep as he sat up, grasping the blanket around his newly
warmed body. He looked over at the doorway, spying Yami walk past and up the stairs. The youth
stood, making his way over to the doorway.
He almost walked into Yami who was returning from upstairs, the book he had been given by his
grandfather in the vampire's hands.
"It's time we started" Yami stated, his voice emotionless, his words confusing Yuugi.
Frowning the teen followed Yami into the living room, glancing at the digital clock on the table. 3:02.
"Start what?"
Placing the book down lightly on the table, wincing slightly as he aggravated the deep slashes on his
back. Turning back to Yuugi he noted his confused frown.
"It's time for us to leave. We're going back to my world when dawn breaks. We have to go to the
forest though to perform the spell" he explained, watching the bewilderment vanish from the youth's
face.
Violet eyes noticed the unusual tension of the vampire's body, especially his back. "Let me see your
back."
"I'm fine."
Yuugi glared into the stubborn crimson eyes before him, refusing to back down.
"No, you're not. I'm not going anywhere with you until I've seen your back" Yuugi folded his arms
resolutely, raising one eyebrow.
Yami scowled, before turning away from his hikari, bare back decorated with burning stripes of red
welts and deep slashes, dried blood edging the ripped flesh.
Yuugi's breath caught in his throat. "Oh Yami, why didn't you let me tend them earlier?"
Going through to the kitchen, the teen retrieved the spared first aid box, a wad of bandages and a bowl
of water. Switching the lights on he directed the vampire to the sofa.
"You were upset enough as it was, I did not want to trouble you further" Yami mumbled, bloody eyes
gazing into the fireplace. He growled in pain as the water soaked cloth touched his wounds, bringing
fresh agony across his skin.
Yuugi didn't answer but continued to clean the open gashes and bruised welts. He apologised when the
vampire winced or jerked away from the crimson cloth, the soft touch goading the lacerations. Both
hikari and yami were left in their individual thoughts as Yuugi started binding the vampire's marred
back.
***********************************************************************************
Darkness held the trees within it's inimical clutches, shadowing the forest with a sombre serenity.
Yuugi jogged to keep up with Yami's attenuated strides, his expression solemn as his violet eyes darted
about his surroundings, catching their last glance at his world. He knew little of the Shadowed world;
Yami having only talked about it briefly. All he knew was that it was full of vampires, Darkwolves and
other such beings. Humans were there for one purpose- feeding.
Their route took them to the cliffs, roaring waves crashing against the jagged faces, drowning out other
sounds. The darkness was beginning to edge away as morning light began it's vertical route on the
horizon. It was almost time.
Yami stopped abruptly, Yuugi almost banging into him. His wide violet eyes gazed up into Yami's
dark crimson ones as he faced the youth, the ancient volume placed on the ground next to them. He
stepped back as Yami advanced towards him, a strange light shining in the blood-red depths.
"W-what are you doing?" Yuugi jumped back as the vampire lowered his head down to Yuugi's level,
slender fingers looking to unbuckle his neck belt.
He felt the warm leather being removed, letting the cool breeze run over his smooth neck. The warm
digits pressed against his lips as Yami's voice spoke in a calm whisper. "Shh, it'll all be over in a
second."
The voice were eerily chilling, sending a tight shiver up Yuugi's spine, making his blood run cold.
Confusion held him in place as Yami's face drew nearer to his own, only centimetres away. The youth
found his body responding as the vampire's lips brushed his before capturing them in a kiss.
It was a moment unlike any other to Yami. He had kissed others before but this held something he was
frightened of losing. It wasn't a moment of hate, of revenge or greed; but one of passion, of true inner
feelings.
And Yuugi was responding to the moment. He felt the heightened emotion run through his body as the
vampire's tongue slipped past the deadly twin canines into his mouth; running over every grove and
mark with intensified desire.
As the moment ended, Yami's mouth sank lower down towards Yuugi's neck, the teen unaware of
what the Game King was doing until he felt the prick of sharp incisors nipping his skin.
Yuugi jerked away, hand held to his neck defensively. "Yami what the hell are you doing?!"
Yami opened his mouth to answer but stopped first. Why was he going to do that? Shaking various
thoughts away, he gazed at his hikari.
"I have to."
"Why?" Yuugi's voice held his hurt, the betrayal he felt written over his face. He gasped as Yami
stepped forward, grabbing his upper arms firmly. "Because if I don't then you'll be killed! Because I
don't want to see you hurt! Because…I don't want to lose you. It's the only way."
Yuugi's frown disappeared as he gazed into Yami's face, seeing the sincerity of his words. His eyes
dropped to the ground as he shook his head, knees buckling slightly, only still standing because of the
Vampire King's hands.
"I-I can't…I don't want to be like you, I don't want to murder others just so I may live.
Please…don't…please…" The teen's voice was barely above a whisper as he pleaded helplessly.
"But what else can I do?" Yami asked, his tone holding his own impotent plea.
He gazed down into melting violet eyes, spying the anguish within them, momentarily fired with a glint
of hope.
"If you're King you have enough power to protect me, just like you said you would. Why can you not
do as you said you would?" Yuugi inquired, voicing what little hope he had left.
The vampire's loyalty was torn. He knew what he had said and he would do all he could to keep his
word, but how far would that hold? Would that promise be enough to save the boy from his world?
Yami's eyes darted over the ocean, landing on the light that was rising. He had to make and decision
and he had to make it _now_.
"Alright, I will stand by my word, but I do not know if that alone will protect you. I will do all I can to
keep you safe" Yami pledged, seeing the hope shine slightly brighter.
"Arigatou Yami" Yuugi hugged the vampire gratefully, feeling sheltered in the strong arms the
encircled him.
The yami pulled away again, stooping down to pick up the antediluvian volume, the rising sun at his
side. Flicking through the yellowed pages he scanned the spells and incantations until he found what he
wanted.
"You can read that?"
Yami glanced up at Yuugi. "Of course I can, it's written in Vampire script. Only Vampire Sages and
magick users can read it. Being King I had to learn it."
Yuugi felt his Puzzle warm as Yami began to chant, a soft golden glow emanating from it, intensifying
as the vampire continued. Both hikari and yami were unaware of the eyes that watched them from the
forest's cover.
A quick wind began to ruffle Yuugi's crown of black, gold and crimson, swirling around him as Yami
continued, his words barely audible in the howling gale that surrounded them.
Panic began to fill the youth's pounding heart as the now vivid golden light from his Puzzle grew,
threatening to envelop his diminutive frame. He faintly heard Yami's chanting stop, the light blinding
Yuugi with it's vigour. He felt a pair of comforting arms wrapped around his waist, hugging him to
Yami's quickly rising and falling chest. He closed his eyes, tightly clinging to his yami as the light
engulfed them.
Yuugi felt his senses numb as his world gained a dizzying sensation of floating. A wave of sadness
gripped the youth's heart as he realised that he had nowhere left to run to; only the darkness that
clouded his mind, claiming his consciousness.
This was it.
***********************************************************************************
End Notes:
FC: phew! Well that took longer than expected XD
Flareon Muse: -.- they always do
FC: *ignores her muse's comment* anyways I would like to apologise for the shortness of this chapter,
the loooong period of time it took to come out and the sappiness near the end XD Gomen Nasai!!! Oh
and some of the words used I don't own either the Grey Company own them!
Zoo: Wheee me again now ^.^
Eevee Muse: ~.~
FC: ^-^ See ya later guys and please review! ^_~