*twitches excitedly* Only a couple of chapters to go... and it seems I've got a few of the reviewers worried about what I'm doing...
To 'Kayu': You mean I'm spared for now? Wai!
To Tasan15: I love it too ^_^ Hope this goes how you like!
To Yami Yami Yugi: Yup - he really loves him! And the pla will... surprise you, I think
To Kiawna: Here 'oo go ^_^
To Emriko: Helloooo!!! Another fan on my chatty list ^_^ here it all is ^_^
To QueenOfGames2: *checks budget hurriedly* So glad we're so close to the end... LEAVE MY DOUBLES ALONE!!!
To SoulDreamer: Hehe... you like reading too much? My dear, I've read this fic... well chapters 9 and 10... about 7 times now *blushes* Nothing wrong with that!
To shadowspecter: Here ya go ^_^
To KittKat: Zork? Haha... funky. I think I'll stick to Bakura though ^_^'
To Hijiri Hitokiri Battousai: Well, actually it's just- *suddenly gets shaken* Ack... That's it... *wanders off to plot some vague vengeance in a totally non-hetero way*
To 'Faith': *smile* You're perfectly welcome ^_^ And I admit, I like the idea... I can't use it, simply because I intended to only use my line from day one, but just see what happens ^_^ And don't worry bout the skipping - I know it ain't everyone's thing ^_^
To Yuki KIKI: Uhm... me write angst? -_-' Would I ever? And uhm... yes, I'm sure you'll love 'Kura's plan...
To Serendipity84: Here ya go ^_^
To totalyfab: THANX!
To Acid Rain1: Thanks... *blush* Hope ya like this chappie too!
To Anime-Crazi: Awww *huggle* Someone got a bit upset? *smile* I'm so glad we have people who get involved that deeply ^_^
To 'none of your business': Yeah, fine - here ya go ^_^
To mistaken for sane: Thanks! Here's some more ^_^
To Chaotic Bystander: I know ^_^ *smile* I fell in love with that line as soon as I thought of it!
To DarkWolf193: Was short coz I couldn't think of anything else to say... *sigh* This one's better though ^_^
To _VIIIXIX_: Yeah, that piccie rules ^_^ I currently have 362 Yu-Gi-Oh! pics on my comp ^_^ And you're right about 'Kura there!
To loki-reincarnate: *sigh* He was openly sobbing because it was all so overwhelming... he didn't mean to! Besides, @kura's back to his bad ol' self this chappie ^_^
To Selene: You hope no-one gets killed? I hope for your sake that you only mean the main characters!
To Yami Vixen and Vixen: Oh you think you got it sussed? Well, jus have to wait and find out, ne?
To AnimeObssesed: Ah, but I'm allowed to have them OC as long as I explain it, ne? I have creative licence! And, as it happens, I explain it this chapter. General jist is Yugi's had an effect on Yami ^_^
To blueraydragon: Glad ya like it ^_^ Heh, have to chat online sometime, ne? Anyways, here's the next bit!
To ObiWanGirl: Never gonna miss an update? Geez, there's probably only a couple left! Still, glad ya like it! *huggle*
And now... the grand rescue! Humour, angst, romance, love, fluff, violence and a sense of comradeship... this chapter has it all!
*~*~*~*~*~*
"What?"
Yami and Bakura were perched upon the same rocky outcrop Bakura had watched Set from the day before. The two had left at dawn's first light, Bakura absolutely bristling with his full arsenal of weaponry.
"That's your amazing plan?"
Now the two sat in discussion, negotiating roles, debating tactics, scheming and deliberating over exactly how they were going to save their loves.
"THAT is how we're going to save them???"
"… well I told you to come well-armed…"
If, by all that, you meant one was practically tearing the other's throat out.
"Bakura, you're talking about a full frontal assault! What in Sekhmet's name are you thinking?"
"Hey, I never said subtlety was my strong point."
Yami stared at the tombrobber incredulously. "Bakura, you're a THIEF! What do you mean, subtlety isn't your strong point?"
Bakura considered this - maybe there was some sense in the Pharaoh's logic. But as far as he was concerned, subtle carried too many risks in this situation. Better to just get in, get their partners and get out again as quickly as possible. Besides, he wanted - no, *needed* - to hurt someone. Somebody had to pay for taking Malik away, and the people refusing to release him would do nicely.
"Bakura, I've got an idea."
"Oh?"
Yami sat on the rock, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Maybe they'd listen to me. I could go down there and reason with them - order or bribe them, if need be. I could give them anything they wanted. And besides, I'm the Pharaoh - would they really dare to refuse my demand?"
Bakura sat and stared at Yami. Blinked a little. Stared some more. "Pharaoh…"
"Yes?"
"I think the power's gone to your head."
"What?"
"You honestly believe you can talk them into giving Yugi and Malik back? They've all been bribed or brainwashed by your High Priest! Right now they probably believe they've bought themselves a one-way journey to Sekhet-Hetepet! What could possibly make them give that up?"
Yami thought about this for a second, and his face fell as he realised Bakura was right. "But still," he began defensively, "it can't hurt to try, right? I mean, it won't make things any worse, will it?"
Bakura sighed and rolled his eyes. "Bloody stubborn Pharaoh," he murmured under his breath. Speaking up again, he made a suggestion. "Tell you what… we do it your way, and if it doesn't work, we do it my way. That way we have a back-up plan."
"And if the back-up doesn't work?"
"We'll both most likely be dead," Bakura remarked almost cheerfully.
"…oh."
Evidently the tombrobber was a little more enthusiastic about vengeful killing sprees than the Pharaoh. Or, at the very least, less picky. But, when Yami weighed up the rewards of success against the cost of failure - and there was no doubt in his mind that Set would kill Yugi, and possibly Malik too just to get at Bakura - he realised there was no other choice. They had to at least try, for their loves' sakes.
"Alright," Yami began, making a fist. "Let's go!"
With that, the two leapt down from the rocks and began running to the hidden prison.
*~*~*~*~*~*
The two entered the building, Bakura about fifteen metres behind Yami. Almost instantly, two huge guards appeared in front of the Pharaoh. Two guards Bakura recognised all too well.
*~*~*Flashback*~*~*
Unfortunately Ryou, in his rush, hadn't been able to predict the two burly guards blocking that exit.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Bakura and Ryou were dragged from the house, a guard on each arm. Ryou, who had blood trickling from a cut lip, was unconscious and limp.
*~*~*End Flashback*~*~*
"Bastards," Bakura hissed as memories came flooding back to him. At least this time the memories didn't make him cry. He'd come across an unexpected bonus, a gold nugget in the sand, a shot at vengeance, and he intended to take it. Bakura began to shake in anger. "Ryou…" he whispered. "This is for you."
Suddenly, he felt the rage that had been building inside him slowly slip away, as if his brother had taken him in his arms and gently shushed him to sleep like he always had before. Reaching into his pockets, he was perfectly calm and collected. His aim would be true.
"Thankyou brother…"
Yami stood defiantly before the guards, chest puffed out and arms folded, every inch the leading regal figure. Fixing both guards with one of his finest glares, Yami addressed them in a booming voice. "By personal order of the Pharaoh, stand aside and allow us to take two prisoners from this place." The guards didn't respond, and Yami's frown deepened. "All who defy this order shall be put to death on the spot."
The guards simply sneered at this threat. "I don't think so," one said, his voice oozing contempt.
Before Yami had met Yugi, his eyes had always had a cold, piercing, fearsome glare to them. All his life, he'd had no friends and had never known love. People had only ever seen him as a Pharaoh, and responded as best suited their own personal gain - always trying to curry his favour and score points over eachother. He'd never been shown any affection, even by his father, and had grown cold and bitter. Yugi had changed all that though. Now Yami felt compassion, pity, sorrow, happiness - even now he was allied with the one who should have been his greatest enemy, ready to die by his side. Faced with the possibility of losing Yugi, of losing the key to his happiness, the guards' defiance stirred the icy embers up once more. Affording only a small growl as warning, Yami swiftly reached under his robe to the small of his back, his hand gripping firmly around a wooden handle.
Before Yami realised what was happening, two loud cracking sounds filled the room, and the two guards dropped like sacks of grain, blood pouring from the large wounds on their foreheads. Looking down at their motionless figures, Yami saw two fist-sized rocks by his feet. "Bakura!"
"They were mine," came the cold reply. "We had a score to settle." Seeing Yami turn round and glare at him, Bakura smirked. "What, you think that axe would have taken them both at once?"
Yami's glare turned into a look of confusion. "How… how did you know about my axe?"
Bakura strolled nonchalantly over, stopping at Yami's side. "I took it out and examined it on the way across the desert." At this, Yami gaped. "You put it back too? Without me noticing?"
Bakura nodded. "Mm-hm. And that blade strapped to your inside left shin."
Yami simply stared, dumbfounded, and Bakura reached out and ruffled his hair. "You should take better care of your belongings, Pharaoh."
Snapping back to reality, Yami growled and pulled his axe out. It was a one-handed axe, bladed on one side and quite heavy for its size, perfectly suited for close combat in confined space. "Let's just get on with it." With that, the two set off down the corridor.
*~*~*~*~*~*
A guard let out a choked scream as a sharpened metal rod flew through his neck, puncturing his windpipe as it went. Sinking to his knees, he put a hand up to the wound, feeling a hole big enough to poke his finger into. With a soft gurgling sound, spraying blood from his mouth with each breath, he slowly slumped forward.
Not even getting the chance to announce his seventh victim, Bakura sidestepped another guard's sword, ducking out of the arc and bringing his fist up into the guard's face. His eyes burned with a deep rage as he followed through by flicking a blade from his belt into his hand and ramming it between two ribs. This wasn't even about having fun any more. He was on a mission, and it was a case of do or die. Literally. As the guard clutched at the handle of the knife, his face contorted in pain, Bakura butted his head into the man's already broken nose, snarling in raw fury as the guard dropped like a stone. "Bastard," he uttered, wiping the blood from his forehead and turning to face his next victim.
*~*~*~*~*~*
With a sickening crack of splitting bone, the Pharaoh's axe sunk into the guard's sternum, spreading little white flecks across the floor. Yami leaned as much weight onto it as he could, tearing it downward slightly before ripping it out. Kicking the guard's limp frame away from him, Yami spun round, his eyes colder than ever before. He barely even registered what he was doing no, driven solely by the one thought that occupied his heart, mind and ka: Yugi. No matter what, Yami would free him. He would free Yugi or die trying. With the power that only feral hatred can impose, he fought on and on, slaying all around him. Drawing all the way back, Yami's axe cleaved into another guard's side, his victim's eyes bulging as the first wave of intense pain struck him, his vision going distant as he realised his fate. Dropping to one knee, clutching at his side, the man managed to gasp a faint, "Forgive me, Pharaoh…" and bowed his head. For that brief second, a small piece of Yugi came back to Yami, and he felt mercy for the man. He was beyond saving, but…
Bringing his axe up, Yami swung downwards as hard as he could, striking the man's neck and severing his spine, ensuring a painless death. The room fell silent as the body, paralysed, dropped forward, the last of the guards felled. Panting, the two survivors looked at eachother and nodded, before beginning their search for their loves.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Bakura walked along, pounding on one door after another. Each door was heavy wood with a draw bolt across it, and certainly looked too solid for even the biggest guard to break down, never mind Malik.
More banging. "Malik! Are you there?"
Bakura's head suddenly snapped round, his hair flicking with him. He was certain he heard Malik yell from up the hall. Running on, he called out again, an optimistic note creeping into his voice. "Malik!"
Yes. There was definitely a reply that time. Bakura picked up his speed even further, the walls flying by. "Malik!"
There. Three doors away. Bakura was certain of it.
Skidding to a halt, pebbles scattering before him, Bakura hammered on the door. "Malik?"
"Bakura!" came the slightly muffled reply.
A flood of delight cascading over him, Bakura wrenched the draw bolt back and threw the door open. Barely getting a chance to brace himself, Bakura was knocked backward off his feet as a tanned streak tipped with white cannoned out of the opening and latched itself onto his chest. Crying in delight, Malik hugged Bakura tightly, burying his face in his love's neck. "'Kura!" he sobbed happily.
A tear in his own eye, Bakura laughed and returned the embrace, holding Malik so tightly that the lesser thief gasped for breath. Nuzzling his cheek against Malik's hair, Bakura loosened his grip slightly. "I missed you too," he whispered. Rolling over so that the two were laid on their sides, Bakura caught Malik's lips with his own, pulling Malik close so the two were flush against eachother. Silence filled the air, save for the occasional appreciative soft moan, as the two boys lay there, celebrating their reacquaintance. Eventually the two broke their kiss and sat up, Bakura taking Malik in a more gentle hug, the latter resting his head on Bakura's shoulder. "I love you," Malik whispered, sighing deeply. "I knew you'd come. Nothing can hold us apart."
Bakura gave Malik another squeeze. "I know. I love you too."
As the two slowly climbed to their feet, Yami appeared around the corner, worry etched deeply onto his face. "Bakura, did you find Yugi?" His tone was near frantic.
The tombrobber's brow furrowed. "No… wasn't he in the other corridor?"
"You said he was here thief! Where is he?"
"I saw him in the open cells at the front yesterday, near the far wall - Malik can vouch that he was there! They must have moved him!"
"I looked in every cell!" Yami's voice grew more desperate with every sentence. "He isn't here! Where is he?"
Malik's voice faintly interrupted the two. "Set took him."
Bakura and Yami both stared at him. "WHAT?"
Set took him away a little before you two arrived. He said…" Malik paused. He knew the Pharaoh would take this badly. "He said it was time for Yugi's punishment…"
Yami's mouth opened slightly, and he took a small step forward. "… punishment?"
"He's…" Malik hated having to be the one to say it, and his voice fell to little more than a whisper. "He's going to cut his heart out…"
Yami felt as if someone had stabbed him. He could feel his stomach clenching, and tears quickly formed in his eyes as this message sank in. Slowly, Yami walked past the two boys, his head hanging in defeat. He'd tried his best, and failed. He couldn't believe it. He didn't even know if he'd be able to get back to the city in time.
"Wait Pharaoh!"
Yami barely heard Bakura's voice, and paid no heed to it. He just wanted it to end. If he couldn't have Yugi, he couldn't live - he'd only been a shell before, but now he'd know what he was missing. He'd just pine away and die.
"Wait! We're coming with you!"
Yami stopped mid-step, not sure that he'd heard correctly. The tombrobber was… what? Yami slowly turned round and looked at Bakura, confusion showing through the hurt in his eyes. "You're…?"
"A deal's a deal Pharaoh. We agreed to rescue our loves together, and you haven't got Yugi back yet." Bakura made a fist, mimicking Yami's little gesture before they'd entered the building. "With Malik to help us, we can't fail. So let's go!"
Yami's lip began quivering. Now, of all times, he had found his first real friend, and it was so much more than he'd ever dreamed it could be. "Th… Thankyou, Bakura…" he whispered, a tear trickling down his cheek. Bakura and Malik stood by his side, and Yami blinked the rest of the tears away. With a small nod, he looked up. "You're right… let's go."
With that, the three began their return to the city, running at top speed all the way.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Yeah! Come on people, hit the review button and show your support!
And did that have all I said or what?
To 'Kayu': You mean I'm spared for now? Wai!
To Tasan15: I love it too ^_^ Hope this goes how you like!
To Yami Yami Yugi: Yup - he really loves him! And the pla will... surprise you, I think
To Kiawna: Here 'oo go ^_^
To Emriko: Helloooo!!! Another fan on my chatty list ^_^ here it all is ^_^
To QueenOfGames2: *checks budget hurriedly* So glad we're so close to the end... LEAVE MY DOUBLES ALONE!!!
To SoulDreamer: Hehe... you like reading too much? My dear, I've read this fic... well chapters 9 and 10... about 7 times now *blushes* Nothing wrong with that!
To shadowspecter: Here ya go ^_^
To KittKat: Zork? Haha... funky. I think I'll stick to Bakura though ^_^'
To Hijiri Hitokiri Battousai: Well, actually it's just- *suddenly gets shaken* Ack... That's it... *wanders off to plot some vague vengeance in a totally non-hetero way*
To 'Faith': *smile* You're perfectly welcome ^_^ And I admit, I like the idea... I can't use it, simply because I intended to only use my line from day one, but just see what happens ^_^ And don't worry bout the skipping - I know it ain't everyone's thing ^_^
To Yuki KIKI: Uhm... me write angst? -_-' Would I ever? And uhm... yes, I'm sure you'll love 'Kura's plan...
To Serendipity84: Here ya go ^_^
To totalyfab: THANX!
To Acid Rain1: Thanks... *blush* Hope ya like this chappie too!
To Anime-Crazi: Awww *huggle* Someone got a bit upset? *smile* I'm so glad we have people who get involved that deeply ^_^
To 'none of your business': Yeah, fine - here ya go ^_^
To mistaken for sane: Thanks! Here's some more ^_^
To Chaotic Bystander: I know ^_^ *smile* I fell in love with that line as soon as I thought of it!
To DarkWolf193: Was short coz I couldn't think of anything else to say... *sigh* This one's better though ^_^
To _VIIIXIX_: Yeah, that piccie rules ^_^ I currently have 362 Yu-Gi-Oh! pics on my comp ^_^ And you're right about 'Kura there!
To loki-reincarnate: *sigh* He was openly sobbing because it was all so overwhelming... he didn't mean to! Besides, @kura's back to his bad ol' self this chappie ^_^
To Selene: You hope no-one gets killed? I hope for your sake that you only mean the main characters!
To Yami Vixen and Vixen: Oh you think you got it sussed? Well, jus have to wait and find out, ne?
To AnimeObssesed: Ah, but I'm allowed to have them OC as long as I explain it, ne? I have creative licence! And, as it happens, I explain it this chapter. General jist is Yugi's had an effect on Yami ^_^
To blueraydragon: Glad ya like it ^_^ Heh, have to chat online sometime, ne? Anyways, here's the next bit!
To ObiWanGirl: Never gonna miss an update? Geez, there's probably only a couple left! Still, glad ya like it! *huggle*
And now... the grand rescue! Humour, angst, romance, love, fluff, violence and a sense of comradeship... this chapter has it all!
*~*~*~*~*~*
"What?"
Yami and Bakura were perched upon the same rocky outcrop Bakura had watched Set from the day before. The two had left at dawn's first light, Bakura absolutely bristling with his full arsenal of weaponry.
"That's your amazing plan?"
Now the two sat in discussion, negotiating roles, debating tactics, scheming and deliberating over exactly how they were going to save their loves.
"THAT is how we're going to save them???"
"… well I told you to come well-armed…"
If, by all that, you meant one was practically tearing the other's throat out.
"Bakura, you're talking about a full frontal assault! What in Sekhmet's name are you thinking?"
"Hey, I never said subtlety was my strong point."
Yami stared at the tombrobber incredulously. "Bakura, you're a THIEF! What do you mean, subtlety isn't your strong point?"
Bakura considered this - maybe there was some sense in the Pharaoh's logic. But as far as he was concerned, subtle carried too many risks in this situation. Better to just get in, get their partners and get out again as quickly as possible. Besides, he wanted - no, *needed* - to hurt someone. Somebody had to pay for taking Malik away, and the people refusing to release him would do nicely.
"Bakura, I've got an idea."
"Oh?"
Yami sat on the rock, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Maybe they'd listen to me. I could go down there and reason with them - order or bribe them, if need be. I could give them anything they wanted. And besides, I'm the Pharaoh - would they really dare to refuse my demand?"
Bakura sat and stared at Yami. Blinked a little. Stared some more. "Pharaoh…"
"Yes?"
"I think the power's gone to your head."
"What?"
"You honestly believe you can talk them into giving Yugi and Malik back? They've all been bribed or brainwashed by your High Priest! Right now they probably believe they've bought themselves a one-way journey to Sekhet-Hetepet! What could possibly make them give that up?"
Yami thought about this for a second, and his face fell as he realised Bakura was right. "But still," he began defensively, "it can't hurt to try, right? I mean, it won't make things any worse, will it?"
Bakura sighed and rolled his eyes. "Bloody stubborn Pharaoh," he murmured under his breath. Speaking up again, he made a suggestion. "Tell you what… we do it your way, and if it doesn't work, we do it my way. That way we have a back-up plan."
"And if the back-up doesn't work?"
"We'll both most likely be dead," Bakura remarked almost cheerfully.
"…oh."
Evidently the tombrobber was a little more enthusiastic about vengeful killing sprees than the Pharaoh. Or, at the very least, less picky. But, when Yami weighed up the rewards of success against the cost of failure - and there was no doubt in his mind that Set would kill Yugi, and possibly Malik too just to get at Bakura - he realised there was no other choice. They had to at least try, for their loves' sakes.
"Alright," Yami began, making a fist. "Let's go!"
With that, the two leapt down from the rocks and began running to the hidden prison.
*~*~*~*~*~*
The two entered the building, Bakura about fifteen metres behind Yami. Almost instantly, two huge guards appeared in front of the Pharaoh. Two guards Bakura recognised all too well.
*~*~*Flashback*~*~*
Unfortunately Ryou, in his rush, hadn't been able to predict the two burly guards blocking that exit.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Bakura and Ryou were dragged from the house, a guard on each arm. Ryou, who had blood trickling from a cut lip, was unconscious and limp.
*~*~*End Flashback*~*~*
"Bastards," Bakura hissed as memories came flooding back to him. At least this time the memories didn't make him cry. He'd come across an unexpected bonus, a gold nugget in the sand, a shot at vengeance, and he intended to take it. Bakura began to shake in anger. "Ryou…" he whispered. "This is for you."
Suddenly, he felt the rage that had been building inside him slowly slip away, as if his brother had taken him in his arms and gently shushed him to sleep like he always had before. Reaching into his pockets, he was perfectly calm and collected. His aim would be true.
"Thankyou brother…"
Yami stood defiantly before the guards, chest puffed out and arms folded, every inch the leading regal figure. Fixing both guards with one of his finest glares, Yami addressed them in a booming voice. "By personal order of the Pharaoh, stand aside and allow us to take two prisoners from this place." The guards didn't respond, and Yami's frown deepened. "All who defy this order shall be put to death on the spot."
The guards simply sneered at this threat. "I don't think so," one said, his voice oozing contempt.
Before Yami had met Yugi, his eyes had always had a cold, piercing, fearsome glare to them. All his life, he'd had no friends and had never known love. People had only ever seen him as a Pharaoh, and responded as best suited their own personal gain - always trying to curry his favour and score points over eachother. He'd never been shown any affection, even by his father, and had grown cold and bitter. Yugi had changed all that though. Now Yami felt compassion, pity, sorrow, happiness - even now he was allied with the one who should have been his greatest enemy, ready to die by his side. Faced with the possibility of losing Yugi, of losing the key to his happiness, the guards' defiance stirred the icy embers up once more. Affording only a small growl as warning, Yami swiftly reached under his robe to the small of his back, his hand gripping firmly around a wooden handle.
Before Yami realised what was happening, two loud cracking sounds filled the room, and the two guards dropped like sacks of grain, blood pouring from the large wounds on their foreheads. Looking down at their motionless figures, Yami saw two fist-sized rocks by his feet. "Bakura!"
"They were mine," came the cold reply. "We had a score to settle." Seeing Yami turn round and glare at him, Bakura smirked. "What, you think that axe would have taken them both at once?"
Yami's glare turned into a look of confusion. "How… how did you know about my axe?"
Bakura strolled nonchalantly over, stopping at Yami's side. "I took it out and examined it on the way across the desert." At this, Yami gaped. "You put it back too? Without me noticing?"
Bakura nodded. "Mm-hm. And that blade strapped to your inside left shin."
Yami simply stared, dumbfounded, and Bakura reached out and ruffled his hair. "You should take better care of your belongings, Pharaoh."
Snapping back to reality, Yami growled and pulled his axe out. It was a one-handed axe, bladed on one side and quite heavy for its size, perfectly suited for close combat in confined space. "Let's just get on with it." With that, the two set off down the corridor.
*~*~*~*~*~*
A guard let out a choked scream as a sharpened metal rod flew through his neck, puncturing his windpipe as it went. Sinking to his knees, he put a hand up to the wound, feeling a hole big enough to poke his finger into. With a soft gurgling sound, spraying blood from his mouth with each breath, he slowly slumped forward.
Not even getting the chance to announce his seventh victim, Bakura sidestepped another guard's sword, ducking out of the arc and bringing his fist up into the guard's face. His eyes burned with a deep rage as he followed through by flicking a blade from his belt into his hand and ramming it between two ribs. This wasn't even about having fun any more. He was on a mission, and it was a case of do or die. Literally. As the guard clutched at the handle of the knife, his face contorted in pain, Bakura butted his head into the man's already broken nose, snarling in raw fury as the guard dropped like a stone. "Bastard," he uttered, wiping the blood from his forehead and turning to face his next victim.
*~*~*~*~*~*
With a sickening crack of splitting bone, the Pharaoh's axe sunk into the guard's sternum, spreading little white flecks across the floor. Yami leaned as much weight onto it as he could, tearing it downward slightly before ripping it out. Kicking the guard's limp frame away from him, Yami spun round, his eyes colder than ever before. He barely even registered what he was doing no, driven solely by the one thought that occupied his heart, mind and ka: Yugi. No matter what, Yami would free him. He would free Yugi or die trying. With the power that only feral hatred can impose, he fought on and on, slaying all around him. Drawing all the way back, Yami's axe cleaved into another guard's side, his victim's eyes bulging as the first wave of intense pain struck him, his vision going distant as he realised his fate. Dropping to one knee, clutching at his side, the man managed to gasp a faint, "Forgive me, Pharaoh…" and bowed his head. For that brief second, a small piece of Yugi came back to Yami, and he felt mercy for the man. He was beyond saving, but…
Bringing his axe up, Yami swung downwards as hard as he could, striking the man's neck and severing his spine, ensuring a painless death. The room fell silent as the body, paralysed, dropped forward, the last of the guards felled. Panting, the two survivors looked at eachother and nodded, before beginning their search for their loves.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Bakura walked along, pounding on one door after another. Each door was heavy wood with a draw bolt across it, and certainly looked too solid for even the biggest guard to break down, never mind Malik.
More banging. "Malik! Are you there?"
Bakura's head suddenly snapped round, his hair flicking with him. He was certain he heard Malik yell from up the hall. Running on, he called out again, an optimistic note creeping into his voice. "Malik!"
Yes. There was definitely a reply that time. Bakura picked up his speed even further, the walls flying by. "Malik!"
There. Three doors away. Bakura was certain of it.
Skidding to a halt, pebbles scattering before him, Bakura hammered on the door. "Malik?"
"Bakura!" came the slightly muffled reply.
A flood of delight cascading over him, Bakura wrenched the draw bolt back and threw the door open. Barely getting a chance to brace himself, Bakura was knocked backward off his feet as a tanned streak tipped with white cannoned out of the opening and latched itself onto his chest. Crying in delight, Malik hugged Bakura tightly, burying his face in his love's neck. "'Kura!" he sobbed happily.
A tear in his own eye, Bakura laughed and returned the embrace, holding Malik so tightly that the lesser thief gasped for breath. Nuzzling his cheek against Malik's hair, Bakura loosened his grip slightly. "I missed you too," he whispered. Rolling over so that the two were laid on their sides, Bakura caught Malik's lips with his own, pulling Malik close so the two were flush against eachother. Silence filled the air, save for the occasional appreciative soft moan, as the two boys lay there, celebrating their reacquaintance. Eventually the two broke their kiss and sat up, Bakura taking Malik in a more gentle hug, the latter resting his head on Bakura's shoulder. "I love you," Malik whispered, sighing deeply. "I knew you'd come. Nothing can hold us apart."
Bakura gave Malik another squeeze. "I know. I love you too."
As the two slowly climbed to their feet, Yami appeared around the corner, worry etched deeply onto his face. "Bakura, did you find Yugi?" His tone was near frantic.
The tombrobber's brow furrowed. "No… wasn't he in the other corridor?"
"You said he was here thief! Where is he?"
"I saw him in the open cells at the front yesterday, near the far wall - Malik can vouch that he was there! They must have moved him!"
"I looked in every cell!" Yami's voice grew more desperate with every sentence. "He isn't here! Where is he?"
Malik's voice faintly interrupted the two. "Set took him."
Bakura and Yami both stared at him. "WHAT?"
Set took him away a little before you two arrived. He said…" Malik paused. He knew the Pharaoh would take this badly. "He said it was time for Yugi's punishment…"
Yami's mouth opened slightly, and he took a small step forward. "… punishment?"
"He's…" Malik hated having to be the one to say it, and his voice fell to little more than a whisper. "He's going to cut his heart out…"
Yami felt as if someone had stabbed him. He could feel his stomach clenching, and tears quickly formed in his eyes as this message sank in. Slowly, Yami walked past the two boys, his head hanging in defeat. He'd tried his best, and failed. He couldn't believe it. He didn't even know if he'd be able to get back to the city in time.
"Wait Pharaoh!"
Yami barely heard Bakura's voice, and paid no heed to it. He just wanted it to end. If he couldn't have Yugi, he couldn't live - he'd only been a shell before, but now he'd know what he was missing. He'd just pine away and die.
"Wait! We're coming with you!"
Yami stopped mid-step, not sure that he'd heard correctly. The tombrobber was… what? Yami slowly turned round and looked at Bakura, confusion showing through the hurt in his eyes. "You're…?"
"A deal's a deal Pharaoh. We agreed to rescue our loves together, and you haven't got Yugi back yet." Bakura made a fist, mimicking Yami's little gesture before they'd entered the building. "With Malik to help us, we can't fail. So let's go!"
Yami's lip began quivering. Now, of all times, he had found his first real friend, and it was so much more than he'd ever dreamed it could be. "Th… Thankyou, Bakura…" he whispered, a tear trickling down his cheek. Bakura and Malik stood by his side, and Yami blinked the rest of the tears away. With a small nod, he looked up. "You're right… let's go."
With that, the three began their return to the city, running at top speed all the way.
*~*~*~*~*~*
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