By Shadows and Lights
by: jade_tiger
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh, however, if the owners want to give it
away...I promise to take good care of it, especially certain
characters.....hehehe. (^_______^)
Warning: This is slash, meaning it does contain male/male pairings, and some characters are OOC, and this story is an AU. Well that's all I got to say, continue if these warnings are understood and accepted.
A.N. Ryou Bakura - Ryou Hunter, Yami Bakura - Bakura Kageshi, Yami Yugi - Yami Taiyou. Seto Kaiba - may and will be referred to as Kai: Seto and Yugi are ADOPTIVE brothers and will refer to each other as brothers. *"Words"* - spoken telepathically, 'words' - thoughts, "words" - spoken out loud
Same day as last chapter, after school.
Chapter Nine: Visits
They stood in silence as a slight breeze blew through the tall trees surrounding the grassy area. The sun was hidden behind large, gray clouds which were threatening to let loose a torrent of water at any moment. The figures stood in front of two markers, granite and marble both bearing the names of loved ones. Seto stood to the right wearing black pants, shirt, and coat; his brown hair moving gently in the breeze. His shorter brother, Yugi, also wore black and stood in the middle of his two taller companions. In his hands he held one white and one red, their stems intertwined both to one another; a beautiful symbol of unity, of a tie unbroken in life and death. Ryou stood to the left also wearing black his white hair and pale skin standing out more, along with his wide brown eyes.
Yugi stepped forward and bent down, putting the roses between the two markers. The action was familiar to him, he had been doing the same thing each year since his parents had been killed and they had begun hunting together. He said nothing, only looked at the graves and gave a small smile before stepping back to where he previously stood. Seto stepped up and spoke his smooth voice soft in the silence.
"Mother, Father, it's been a while," he began, "Four years have passed and I'm sorry to say we still haven't found him. But I swear to the two of you, we will and we'll make him pay for what he did." His voice hardened with the statement and his eyes seemed like frozen shards of ice, "I still haven't found Mokuba, but I know he's still alive, I would have known if anything happened to him, and I know the two of you are watching over him and keeping him safe for me until I find him." He closed his eyes and thought of the wild black hair that cascaded to all places and the shinning gray-blue eyes of his younger brother. "We have to go but I promise we will find your murdered and Mokuba. Good bye for now Mother, Father I love you both." With that he turned and walked away closely followed by his smaller brother.
One figure remained. Ryou stood unmoving as Seto and Yugi made their way out of the cemetery. Slowly he moved forward to where the others had stood before him; he stood as if on trial, guilty of a crime without compare, a crime that could never be forgiven.
"Hello Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Anderson, " he greeted in a quiet voice as if talking to people who stood not a few feet away. "I'm happy to say that Seto and Yugi are doing well an, they're both wonderful people and good friends. They watch out for each other and for me," he smiled as if telling some proud parents of their children's accomplishments, but soon his face was serious and grim. "Seto wasn't lying when he said we will find Simon but he didn't tell you the whole story." Ryou sighed and looked at the graves in sadness.
"We're being hunted, our reputation as the Lights have grown and the Ancients are getting worried. They've sent the best they have after us," he explained in the silence, the wind blowing. "I know I dragged them into this and am partially to blame for your deaths. But I promise you this," his voice hardened with determination, "I will not let anything happen to the two of them, they will remain safe. Even if it costs me my life the Shadows will not harm them." With that he pulled out a third rose from his coat pocket, a rose unlike the other two; it's petals were an ebony colour, black as the shadows in the darkest of nights. After putting the rose with the others he turned and followed the path that had been taken by Seto and Yugi.
Night had fallen as Ryou walked along the sidewalk alone, he knew Seto and Yugi were together so he wasn't worried and he could take care of himself even though Seto worried about him. He walked in silence, the wind blowing his coat to conform to his body; his white hair blowing behind him like a banner.
'The winds are getting stronger, must be a storm,' he thought distractedly, pulling his jacket closer. He felt eyes watching him from the darkness and was worried, he had left all his supplies at home not expecting any trouble. He walked faster hoping to discourage whoever it was following him, even with his increased strides his steps remained as silent as those of a cat, a skill he had perfected at a young age. However, even as he quickened his steps he knew, instinctively, that his pursuer was not far behind, stalking him like predator to a prey. 'I just hope what ever it is following me it isn't too old,' he thought grimly his mind thought of all possible escapes, finding none.
He stopped suddenly and swirled around, hoping to surprise his follower, he saw no one but had briefly seen a flash of gold in the shadows. The he felt it, a slight push against his mental defenses; a warning of a strong telepath, before the slight push became a mental barrage meant to take down mental walls quickly and efficiently. Ryou let out a cry of pain as his barriers were broken with ease, allowing the other to enter his mind. The pain pounded through his head as he felt the other mind invading his; probing, reading, living and feeling all that was in his mind, and he knew he could do little now that the other had entered. However, the sensation of the other mind was unlike any other vampire, at least a natural vampire; this one did not cause the same excruciating pain as all other vampires caused when telepathically invading a person's mind, the initial pain had already dulled to a mild pressure. Taking a deep calming breath Ryou turned around and looked more closely in the shadows, trying to pinpoint where the other was located. Suddenly the vampire spoke in his mind.
*"Who are you?"* it demanded, *" Or better yet, what are you?"* The voice spoke harshly in his head, causing Ryou to give a wince of pain at the tone, but he did not answer. *"Hmph, figures,"* the voice sneered, *"It doesn't matter whether you answer me or not, in case you've forgotten I'm inside your mind. Anything I want to know I only have to find, and trust me it'll hurt."* The voice threatened, Ryou, however, did not believe the threat. After all, if the vampire had wanted to find something out it did not need to give any warning since Ryou could do nothing to stop it, and why give him a chance to block the pain if the vampire had wanted him to feel any agony. *"Hehe,"* it laughed in his mind, *" I wouldn't bet my life on that Hunter,"* the voice was taunting as the vampire picked up the thought as well as his name.
*"What do you want then?"* Ryou asked mentally speaking to the vampire in his mind, he felts it's surprise at his ability and it's reluctant respect. Being able to mentally speak to another was a skill that was possessed by very few humans, and those who did possess it often did not even know of their ability. Ryou continued, *"I didn't call out to you or even come near you. You were the one who initiated this."* The vampire gave an amused laugh at the comment.
*"True enough, however, I, along with countless others, can do nothing else when you give off such a pure aura. An aura with the protection of a dark power."* The information was revealed in a serious tone. Ryou had no idea what it spoke of, he knew everyone had an aura and that vampires, along with a few humans, could sense it, he himself was one of those few humans, but a pure aura? Ryou knew he was far from pure, he had taken countless lives and the vampire knew this since he was in Ryou's mind.
*"True, you have, but you've remained pure at heart, a rare thing for someone in your 'profession',"* the other replied to Ryou's thoughts. *" But that's only part of your appeal to my kind, you possess something else just as rare as such purity; you have a, how do I put this, a protection, a barrier other than your own; One that warns all vampires that you are under someone's protection, someone very powerful. As you are more than likely aware, we vampires rarely show any affection, let alone such protectiveness, and that we tend to want what cannot be ours."* With that comment Ryou was instantly on guard, ready incase the vampire chose to attack.
*"Don't worry,"* it assured, *"Your other is coming to your protection, just like I knew he would. I'll go now, but I promise I'll be back, for now I'll leave you with this."* With that the vampire retreated, but not before it gave a final mental attack that was stronger than any other Ryou had encountered, and attack that nearly tore his mind apart with the intense pain.
Ryou gave a cry of pain at the sensation that overrode his mind a feeling like thousands of needles pushing into his brain, a hammer continuously pounding in his skull. He gave a moan of pain and leaned against the wall of a nearby building; panting raggedly, sweat beading on his skin, his hair plastered onto his forehead, the cold air chilled his skin. The pain was so intense that he felt the inky edge of darkness beginning to engulf him, and soon his body went lax as he lost his consciousness.
The other watched in the shadows, unmoving and barely breathing, knowing that he was not the only one watching. He wasn't disappointed, just as the snow haired youth was about to fall a blur of movement prevented the other's fall. The unseen vampire watched in fascination as the newcomer gently picked up the limp form of the Hunter youth, and began to slowly move towards an unknown destination. The vampire could not help but give a small smile, he knew the Hunter bloodline was strong, and the last of the line was no exception, but his parting attack was powerful and was meant to hurt - a lot, and it did, but he wanted to see if it was true and he had just received his answer.
'How the mighty has fallen,' he thought turning away and moving further into the shadows. 'But I wonder, are you the only one still capable of feelings, old friend? Or will the others join our ranks? We who choose to protect instead of destroy a guardian to humans. I wonder, but soon I will have all the answers I seek. Until then, hold him close and keep him safe; he may one of our last chance at a normal life old friend.'
Seto looked out the window for the third time in the last ten minutes, it had begun to rain, and he was even more worried. Ryou was still not home, it wasn't that he didn't think the other could take care of himself but the brunet could not help but worry; no matter how cold and tough Ryou acted and how great his skills at hunting was, he still held the fragile innocence that was similar to that of Yugi's and the one he remembered Mokuba having. Seto had made a promise to himself to protect that same innocence at any cost, the white haired young man was as important to Seto as his own brothers. Seto also knew what Ryou had gone through at such a young age, although Ryou had not told him, he had certain abilities that the others did not know about; like his ability to see into the past, his visions of the future and his ability to pick up other people's memories when their minds were not shielded. After he had learned of Ryou's past Seto had instantly vowed to protect his friend from that kind of pain again.
"Stop worrying so much, Kai," said Yugi watching his brother look out the window again. "Ryou's fine he ca take care of himself, you know that."
"I do, but that doesn't mean I can't worry," he replied. "He wasn't that far behind us, he should be here by now, and he didn't have anything with him."
"You worry to much, Kai, you're gonna get gray hair if you keep this up." Yugi teased his brother trying to calm him down and get him to relax.
"I know I do Yugi, but you know how Ryou can be sometimes. He'd take on the entire vampire population if it meant keeping us safe." Seto sighed and slumped into the nearest couch, worrying always tired him out. "He wants to protect us at any cost, including his life if necessary. I worry about him."
Yugi looked at his brother, he knew what Seto was talking about; it was true, if ever given a choice between saving himself or saving Seto and Yugi Ryou would choose the former and give up his life. Yugi was also aware of how his brother felt towards their white haired companion. 'Seto you care about others too much, we can take care of our selves. You have to think about your safety for once, you can't protect the whole world, no one can.' He smiled widely at his brother and sat next to the tall brunet.
"Look who's talking, you're the same way, Kai, and you know it." Yugi leaned back and smiled at his brother. "Seto, we can watch out for ourselves, you know that. I'm not saying I don't want you watching over my back, I'm just saying you have to loosen up. Ryou and I aren't made of glass; we're just as tough as you are."
"I know Yugi, but I already let Mokuba down and lost him, I won't let the same thing happen to you and Ryou. I.... I don't think I could survive any more loss. After our parents died I promised Mokuba and myself that I'd never let anything happen to him, that we'd always be together and that I would keep him safe, that I'd protect him. I failed him, Yugi, he was taken because I wasn't there, I let him down." His voice was quiet, pain resonating from the smooth tone.
"You didn't know it would happen, Seto, you're not psychic." Yugi knew Seto still blamed himself for what happened four years ago believing that had he been there it could have been prevented. Yugi knew it would not have changed anything, Ryou felt the same way his brother did. "Everything happens for a reason, brother. Fate is not something that can be controlled. We're only mortals, even vampires have no control over their fate. No one does."
Seto smiled at the comment. "If vampires had control over their fates then they'd make sure not to run into us." The two laughed lightly the strain of the day easing.
Suddenly Seto stopped as he sensed something, his eyes were hard as he walked to the door and flung it open. There on the porch was Ryou, his hair damp along with his clothing. His expression was peaceful telling the others that he was sleeping. Seto looked around the street looking for whomever it was that left Ryou, he saw nothing but a deserted shadowed street; not a soul was present save for himself, Yugi and Ryou.
"Let's get him inside, I can't sense anyone there but they could be masking their presence." Yugi nodded and opened the door as Seto carried Ryou inside.
"What do you think happened, Kai?" Yugi looked at his white haired friend hoping the other was all right.
"I don't know, but he's not hurt. Let's get him into his room, we can stay home tomorrow and he can tell what happened. We all need a break." Seto headed up the stairs and into Ryou's room, setting his companion on the bed. He and Yugi took off Ryou's wet clothes and changed him, not once did the pale young man wake.
"Let's get to bed, Yugi." Seto prodded his brother who still hovered over Ryou's still form. "He's fine, I checked."
"Okay, Kai. I'm just making sure." Yugi looked at his brother sheepishly, before heading into his own room after saying good night to Seto, who also entered his room.
As soon as the house was silent and all was sleeping, the figure entered the home and competently made it's way into the bedroom. Ryou slept soundly, his breathing even and deep, his face peaceful. 'I'm sorry I didn't arrive in time little Light,' the figure thought as it stood over the figure in the bed. 'I'll find him, I promise, no one threatens or harms what is mine. He's done both to you, and to me that's nothing more than a wish for an early death.' The figure gently ran a hand through the white hair that was spread over the pillows.
Ryou shifted and sighed, his voice soft in the darkness, "'Kura, missed you."
Bakura smiled, "I missed you too my little Light." He left the house with a smile feeling happier than he had in years. He looked at the window on the second floor and smiled again, he remembered feeling like this only a handful of time in his long lifetime, and all of those times had been when he was with the little boy he had saved all those years ago, the boy he had not seen in so long. The little boy had grown up and Bakura was proud to see that he had grown to be strong and had retained the innocence that had drawn the ancient to him in the beginning. "Soon my little Light, soon."
to be continued
tiger: hehehe sorry that took a while to finish. i was writing most of it in chem. class Seto: and you wonder why you're doing so bad in that class (-.-*)
tiger: do you have to remind me? i was in such a good mood too.
Ryou: ooowww @-@
Yugi: his head still hurts, i already gave him tylenol
tiger: hehe sorry ryou, but it was necessary for the plot ( ^_^*) hope you're not mad Seto: he isn't but i would stay away from bakura for a while if i were you
Bakura: ggggrrrrr tiger, what did you do to my light?
tiger: eerrrr it wasn't me! it was him!! *points to vampire in the shadows* blame him, it was his attack!! Ryou: *groans* ooww 'kura, my head hurts *puppy dog eyes*
Bakura: it's ok i'll get that jerk *glares at shadowy vampire* tiger who is he?? tiger: sorry classified information, i can reveal nothing
Bakura: not even to me? *puppy dog eyes* please?
tiger: ahhhhh nononono must resist...must......resist.......cuteness!!! aahhhhhh!!!! where'd you learn to do that?? no one can have such a cute expression while looking totally evil at the same time Yugi: *whistles innocently*
Bakura: *puppy dog eyes go watery and sparkly* plwease? *sniffsniff* for me? pwease? tiger: aahhhhnooo!!! must resist......dang.....*sight* my will is not strong enough to resist the cuteness. ok i'll tell you *pulls bakura over and whispers in ears* he's............
Bakura: thanx, i knew you were too weak to resist the ultimate cuteness (^____^) tiger: *grumbles* damn puppy dog eyes, if you weren't so damn hot i'd kill you off Ryou: no!! not my 'Kura please not him!! *puppy dog eyes*
tiger: AAAHHHHH!!!!! not another one......eeeeeeeeee!!!! can't resist cuteness.......overload *glomps Ryou and Bakura* so cute!!!!!!!
!!please review!!
For anyone interested my other fic Somewhere Out There os now finished!!!
Warning: This is slash, meaning it does contain male/male pairings, and some characters are OOC, and this story is an AU. Well that's all I got to say, continue if these warnings are understood and accepted.
A.N. Ryou Bakura - Ryou Hunter, Yami Bakura - Bakura Kageshi, Yami Yugi - Yami Taiyou. Seto Kaiba - may and will be referred to as Kai: Seto and Yugi are ADOPTIVE brothers and will refer to each other as brothers. *"Words"* - spoken telepathically, 'words' - thoughts, "words" - spoken out loud
Same day as last chapter, after school.
Chapter Nine: Visits
They stood in silence as a slight breeze blew through the tall trees surrounding the grassy area. The sun was hidden behind large, gray clouds which were threatening to let loose a torrent of water at any moment. The figures stood in front of two markers, granite and marble both bearing the names of loved ones. Seto stood to the right wearing black pants, shirt, and coat; his brown hair moving gently in the breeze. His shorter brother, Yugi, also wore black and stood in the middle of his two taller companions. In his hands he held one white and one red, their stems intertwined both to one another; a beautiful symbol of unity, of a tie unbroken in life and death. Ryou stood to the left also wearing black his white hair and pale skin standing out more, along with his wide brown eyes.
Yugi stepped forward and bent down, putting the roses between the two markers. The action was familiar to him, he had been doing the same thing each year since his parents had been killed and they had begun hunting together. He said nothing, only looked at the graves and gave a small smile before stepping back to where he previously stood. Seto stepped up and spoke his smooth voice soft in the silence.
"Mother, Father, it's been a while," he began, "Four years have passed and I'm sorry to say we still haven't found him. But I swear to the two of you, we will and we'll make him pay for what he did." His voice hardened with the statement and his eyes seemed like frozen shards of ice, "I still haven't found Mokuba, but I know he's still alive, I would have known if anything happened to him, and I know the two of you are watching over him and keeping him safe for me until I find him." He closed his eyes and thought of the wild black hair that cascaded to all places and the shinning gray-blue eyes of his younger brother. "We have to go but I promise we will find your murdered and Mokuba. Good bye for now Mother, Father I love you both." With that he turned and walked away closely followed by his smaller brother.
One figure remained. Ryou stood unmoving as Seto and Yugi made their way out of the cemetery. Slowly he moved forward to where the others had stood before him; he stood as if on trial, guilty of a crime without compare, a crime that could never be forgiven.
"Hello Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Anderson, " he greeted in a quiet voice as if talking to people who stood not a few feet away. "I'm happy to say that Seto and Yugi are doing well an, they're both wonderful people and good friends. They watch out for each other and for me," he smiled as if telling some proud parents of their children's accomplishments, but soon his face was serious and grim. "Seto wasn't lying when he said we will find Simon but he didn't tell you the whole story." Ryou sighed and looked at the graves in sadness.
"We're being hunted, our reputation as the Lights have grown and the Ancients are getting worried. They've sent the best they have after us," he explained in the silence, the wind blowing. "I know I dragged them into this and am partially to blame for your deaths. But I promise you this," his voice hardened with determination, "I will not let anything happen to the two of them, they will remain safe. Even if it costs me my life the Shadows will not harm them." With that he pulled out a third rose from his coat pocket, a rose unlike the other two; it's petals were an ebony colour, black as the shadows in the darkest of nights. After putting the rose with the others he turned and followed the path that had been taken by Seto and Yugi.
Night had fallen as Ryou walked along the sidewalk alone, he knew Seto and Yugi were together so he wasn't worried and he could take care of himself even though Seto worried about him. He walked in silence, the wind blowing his coat to conform to his body; his white hair blowing behind him like a banner.
'The winds are getting stronger, must be a storm,' he thought distractedly, pulling his jacket closer. He felt eyes watching him from the darkness and was worried, he had left all his supplies at home not expecting any trouble. He walked faster hoping to discourage whoever it was following him, even with his increased strides his steps remained as silent as those of a cat, a skill he had perfected at a young age. However, even as he quickened his steps he knew, instinctively, that his pursuer was not far behind, stalking him like predator to a prey. 'I just hope what ever it is following me it isn't too old,' he thought grimly his mind thought of all possible escapes, finding none.
He stopped suddenly and swirled around, hoping to surprise his follower, he saw no one but had briefly seen a flash of gold in the shadows. The he felt it, a slight push against his mental defenses; a warning of a strong telepath, before the slight push became a mental barrage meant to take down mental walls quickly and efficiently. Ryou let out a cry of pain as his barriers were broken with ease, allowing the other to enter his mind. The pain pounded through his head as he felt the other mind invading his; probing, reading, living and feeling all that was in his mind, and he knew he could do little now that the other had entered. However, the sensation of the other mind was unlike any other vampire, at least a natural vampire; this one did not cause the same excruciating pain as all other vampires caused when telepathically invading a person's mind, the initial pain had already dulled to a mild pressure. Taking a deep calming breath Ryou turned around and looked more closely in the shadows, trying to pinpoint where the other was located. Suddenly the vampire spoke in his mind.
*"Who are you?"* it demanded, *" Or better yet, what are you?"* The voice spoke harshly in his head, causing Ryou to give a wince of pain at the tone, but he did not answer. *"Hmph, figures,"* the voice sneered, *"It doesn't matter whether you answer me or not, in case you've forgotten I'm inside your mind. Anything I want to know I only have to find, and trust me it'll hurt."* The voice threatened, Ryou, however, did not believe the threat. After all, if the vampire had wanted to find something out it did not need to give any warning since Ryou could do nothing to stop it, and why give him a chance to block the pain if the vampire had wanted him to feel any agony. *"Hehe,"* it laughed in his mind, *" I wouldn't bet my life on that Hunter,"* the voice was taunting as the vampire picked up the thought as well as his name.
*"What do you want then?"* Ryou asked mentally speaking to the vampire in his mind, he felts it's surprise at his ability and it's reluctant respect. Being able to mentally speak to another was a skill that was possessed by very few humans, and those who did possess it often did not even know of their ability. Ryou continued, *"I didn't call out to you or even come near you. You were the one who initiated this."* The vampire gave an amused laugh at the comment.
*"True enough, however, I, along with countless others, can do nothing else when you give off such a pure aura. An aura with the protection of a dark power."* The information was revealed in a serious tone. Ryou had no idea what it spoke of, he knew everyone had an aura and that vampires, along with a few humans, could sense it, he himself was one of those few humans, but a pure aura? Ryou knew he was far from pure, he had taken countless lives and the vampire knew this since he was in Ryou's mind.
*"True, you have, but you've remained pure at heart, a rare thing for someone in your 'profession',"* the other replied to Ryou's thoughts. *" But that's only part of your appeal to my kind, you possess something else just as rare as such purity; you have a, how do I put this, a protection, a barrier other than your own; One that warns all vampires that you are under someone's protection, someone very powerful. As you are more than likely aware, we vampires rarely show any affection, let alone such protectiveness, and that we tend to want what cannot be ours."* With that comment Ryou was instantly on guard, ready incase the vampire chose to attack.
*"Don't worry,"* it assured, *"Your other is coming to your protection, just like I knew he would. I'll go now, but I promise I'll be back, for now I'll leave you with this."* With that the vampire retreated, but not before it gave a final mental attack that was stronger than any other Ryou had encountered, and attack that nearly tore his mind apart with the intense pain.
Ryou gave a cry of pain at the sensation that overrode his mind a feeling like thousands of needles pushing into his brain, a hammer continuously pounding in his skull. He gave a moan of pain and leaned against the wall of a nearby building; panting raggedly, sweat beading on his skin, his hair plastered onto his forehead, the cold air chilled his skin. The pain was so intense that he felt the inky edge of darkness beginning to engulf him, and soon his body went lax as he lost his consciousness.
The other watched in the shadows, unmoving and barely breathing, knowing that he was not the only one watching. He wasn't disappointed, just as the snow haired youth was about to fall a blur of movement prevented the other's fall. The unseen vampire watched in fascination as the newcomer gently picked up the limp form of the Hunter youth, and began to slowly move towards an unknown destination. The vampire could not help but give a small smile, he knew the Hunter bloodline was strong, and the last of the line was no exception, but his parting attack was powerful and was meant to hurt - a lot, and it did, but he wanted to see if it was true and he had just received his answer.
'How the mighty has fallen,' he thought turning away and moving further into the shadows. 'But I wonder, are you the only one still capable of feelings, old friend? Or will the others join our ranks? We who choose to protect instead of destroy a guardian to humans. I wonder, but soon I will have all the answers I seek. Until then, hold him close and keep him safe; he may one of our last chance at a normal life old friend.'
Seto looked out the window for the third time in the last ten minutes, it had begun to rain, and he was even more worried. Ryou was still not home, it wasn't that he didn't think the other could take care of himself but the brunet could not help but worry; no matter how cold and tough Ryou acted and how great his skills at hunting was, he still held the fragile innocence that was similar to that of Yugi's and the one he remembered Mokuba having. Seto had made a promise to himself to protect that same innocence at any cost, the white haired young man was as important to Seto as his own brothers. Seto also knew what Ryou had gone through at such a young age, although Ryou had not told him, he had certain abilities that the others did not know about; like his ability to see into the past, his visions of the future and his ability to pick up other people's memories when their minds were not shielded. After he had learned of Ryou's past Seto had instantly vowed to protect his friend from that kind of pain again.
"Stop worrying so much, Kai," said Yugi watching his brother look out the window again. "Ryou's fine he ca take care of himself, you know that."
"I do, but that doesn't mean I can't worry," he replied. "He wasn't that far behind us, he should be here by now, and he didn't have anything with him."
"You worry to much, Kai, you're gonna get gray hair if you keep this up." Yugi teased his brother trying to calm him down and get him to relax.
"I know I do Yugi, but you know how Ryou can be sometimes. He'd take on the entire vampire population if it meant keeping us safe." Seto sighed and slumped into the nearest couch, worrying always tired him out. "He wants to protect us at any cost, including his life if necessary. I worry about him."
Yugi looked at his brother, he knew what Seto was talking about; it was true, if ever given a choice between saving himself or saving Seto and Yugi Ryou would choose the former and give up his life. Yugi was also aware of how his brother felt towards their white haired companion. 'Seto you care about others too much, we can take care of our selves. You have to think about your safety for once, you can't protect the whole world, no one can.' He smiled widely at his brother and sat next to the tall brunet.
"Look who's talking, you're the same way, Kai, and you know it." Yugi leaned back and smiled at his brother. "Seto, we can watch out for ourselves, you know that. I'm not saying I don't want you watching over my back, I'm just saying you have to loosen up. Ryou and I aren't made of glass; we're just as tough as you are."
"I know Yugi, but I already let Mokuba down and lost him, I won't let the same thing happen to you and Ryou. I.... I don't think I could survive any more loss. After our parents died I promised Mokuba and myself that I'd never let anything happen to him, that we'd always be together and that I would keep him safe, that I'd protect him. I failed him, Yugi, he was taken because I wasn't there, I let him down." His voice was quiet, pain resonating from the smooth tone.
"You didn't know it would happen, Seto, you're not psychic." Yugi knew Seto still blamed himself for what happened four years ago believing that had he been there it could have been prevented. Yugi knew it would not have changed anything, Ryou felt the same way his brother did. "Everything happens for a reason, brother. Fate is not something that can be controlled. We're only mortals, even vampires have no control over their fate. No one does."
Seto smiled at the comment. "If vampires had control over their fates then they'd make sure not to run into us." The two laughed lightly the strain of the day easing.
Suddenly Seto stopped as he sensed something, his eyes were hard as he walked to the door and flung it open. There on the porch was Ryou, his hair damp along with his clothing. His expression was peaceful telling the others that he was sleeping. Seto looked around the street looking for whomever it was that left Ryou, he saw nothing but a deserted shadowed street; not a soul was present save for himself, Yugi and Ryou.
"Let's get him inside, I can't sense anyone there but they could be masking their presence." Yugi nodded and opened the door as Seto carried Ryou inside.
"What do you think happened, Kai?" Yugi looked at his white haired friend hoping the other was all right.
"I don't know, but he's not hurt. Let's get him into his room, we can stay home tomorrow and he can tell what happened. We all need a break." Seto headed up the stairs and into Ryou's room, setting his companion on the bed. He and Yugi took off Ryou's wet clothes and changed him, not once did the pale young man wake.
"Let's get to bed, Yugi." Seto prodded his brother who still hovered over Ryou's still form. "He's fine, I checked."
"Okay, Kai. I'm just making sure." Yugi looked at his brother sheepishly, before heading into his own room after saying good night to Seto, who also entered his room.
As soon as the house was silent and all was sleeping, the figure entered the home and competently made it's way into the bedroom. Ryou slept soundly, his breathing even and deep, his face peaceful. 'I'm sorry I didn't arrive in time little Light,' the figure thought as it stood over the figure in the bed. 'I'll find him, I promise, no one threatens or harms what is mine. He's done both to you, and to me that's nothing more than a wish for an early death.' The figure gently ran a hand through the white hair that was spread over the pillows.
Ryou shifted and sighed, his voice soft in the darkness, "'Kura, missed you."
Bakura smiled, "I missed you too my little Light." He left the house with a smile feeling happier than he had in years. He looked at the window on the second floor and smiled again, he remembered feeling like this only a handful of time in his long lifetime, and all of those times had been when he was with the little boy he had saved all those years ago, the boy he had not seen in so long. The little boy had grown up and Bakura was proud to see that he had grown to be strong and had retained the innocence that had drawn the ancient to him in the beginning. "Soon my little Light, soon."
to be continued
tiger: hehehe sorry that took a while to finish. i was writing most of it in chem. class Seto: and you wonder why you're doing so bad in that class (-.-*)
tiger: do you have to remind me? i was in such a good mood too.
Ryou: ooowww @-@
Yugi: his head still hurts, i already gave him tylenol
tiger: hehe sorry ryou, but it was necessary for the plot ( ^_^*) hope you're not mad Seto: he isn't but i would stay away from bakura for a while if i were you
Bakura: ggggrrrrr tiger, what did you do to my light?
tiger: eerrrr it wasn't me! it was him!! *points to vampire in the shadows* blame him, it was his attack!! Ryou: *groans* ooww 'kura, my head hurts *puppy dog eyes*
Bakura: it's ok i'll get that jerk *glares at shadowy vampire* tiger who is he?? tiger: sorry classified information, i can reveal nothing
Bakura: not even to me? *puppy dog eyes* please?
tiger: ahhhhh nononono must resist...must......resist.......cuteness!!! aahhhhhh!!!! where'd you learn to do that?? no one can have such a cute expression while looking totally evil at the same time Yugi: *whistles innocently*
Bakura: *puppy dog eyes go watery and sparkly* plwease? *sniffsniff* for me? pwease? tiger: aahhhhnooo!!! must resist......dang.....*sight* my will is not strong enough to resist the cuteness. ok i'll tell you *pulls bakura over and whispers in ears* he's............
Bakura: thanx, i knew you were too weak to resist the ultimate cuteness (^____^) tiger: *grumbles* damn puppy dog eyes, if you weren't so damn hot i'd kill you off Ryou: no!! not my 'Kura please not him!! *puppy dog eyes*
tiger: AAAHHHHH!!!!! not another one......eeeeeeeeee!!!! can't resist cuteness.......overload *glomps Ryou and Bakura* so cute!!!!!!!
!!please review!!
For anyone interested my other fic Somewhere Out There os now finished!!!