Well, thanks for the reviews!
To LazyLiza: SORRY! I feel terrible now. I guess you can't please everybody though T_T I had this planned out from the start so there wasn't anything I could really do. Thanks for your support though.
To KiraKura: Um--- what is sleep again? Lol, kidding. I usually update during the weekend so it doesn't matter how long I stay up. *fall unconscious*
OH YEAH! QUESTION!: what the heck IS Yami Marik's other name(s)? I've seen so many it's scary. I need to get it straight or something. Someone said Malik, but I thought that was the hikari's name, and I've also seen Mariku a lot,--- help me -_-
Chapter 8
Yami Marik tapped a finger on his lip with that same conniving smirk played out. "Very well then, Bakura, here's how you play the game: You and I both choose one duel monster randomly from our decks. Now keep in mind, the monster's strength doesn't matter, but rather, it's ability to fight. Both our monsters, and us, will engage in a fight. Whoever's dead first, or whoever's monster is KO-ed, is obviously the loser. Alright?"
Bakura paused for a moment, "Wait, if I lose, Ryou will die, so how will that benefit you?"
He only smiled. "You obviously don't know the extent of my powers. Too bad. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"First, aimlessly choose a duel monster from your deck."
Both of their decks appeared in front of them with the backs facing towards them. They were slightly fanned out so the person would have an easier time choosing. Bakura picked first, and his deck disappeared. Yami Marik picked second, his deck disappearing as well.
Both guys looked at their card and smirked.
In a flash of black lightning, both cards ascended into the air and disappeared forming into two different beings. When the lightning had vanished, the forms landed with ease onto the ground with the faintest of sound.
Facing Yami Marik was Dark Necrofia.
Opposite of Bakura was Succubus Knight.
Yami Marik stared at the menacing, yet silent, Lady card that belonged to Bakura. "So Bakura, it seems your deck has not let you down. I remember this lady all too well," he faked a bow.
Bakura glowered, but looked at Marik's monster. "Your deck obviously failed you to bring out such a pathetic monster."
"I told you Bakura, it is not strength that matters in this battle--- well, for them at least. Shall we begin?"
"Alright."
With one last haunting smirk, Yami Marik lunged forward, as did his Succubus Knight, both slamming into their enemies in one violent slash.
Bakura was pushed back at first, but easily grounded his feet and swung his fist around nailing the other yami in the jaw. Yami Marik was stationary for a minute, his head frozen in its turn to the side, eyes hidden behind his bangs.
Marik, who watched from afar, brought his hand up to his chin and drew it away, surprised when he saw blood---
Bakura smirked, and was about to strike again, when a flash of gold slammed into his left temple sending him staggering sideways. He faintly heard someone cry out in pain, but it was impossible to tell with the throbbing that had begun in his head. He looked up and saw Yami Marik, grinning mechanically, holding the Millennium Rod in his hand. Oh, things would have been a lot better if Yami Marik's body would stay still. The world around him was spinning and he couldn't think straight. "You dirty cheat," he growled.
Yami Marik chuckled, "Me? A cheat? Who ever said we couldn't use weapons?"
Bakura shook his head and stood up straight, the world falling back into place. "Good move, but not good enough." He jumped forward and in one fluid- like motion pulled a dagger from his pocket bringing it fast toward Yami Marik's abdomen.
He quickly moved to dodge it, slightly surprised by the attack, and it barely grazed his side drawing a thin line of crimson.
Bakura turned around to face the stunned yami with a smirk of victory on his face. Even if he had only made a minor injury, he had still hit him.
Yami Marik broke into a poignant fit of laughter. "You say I'm a cheat?"
"A good thief is always prepared. Didn't you know that?"
"Of course I did, but even so, it looks like I'm the one who gained that point, right Marik?"
Bakura was confused. He turned toward Marik wondering what in the world he was talking about. "What?!"
Marik was kneeling on the ground holding his side in pain. Blood was slowly seeping through his fingers even after his meager effort to stop it.
Bakura went to run to him but Yami Marik spoke quickly, "Turn your back on me, and I'll kill you."
Bakura turned glaring brown eyes on the other yami, baring his teeth and clenching his fists, "What did you do to him?"
Yami Marik cocked his head to the side, "What did *I* do? It's more like what *you* did."
"What are you talking about, I never touched him."
"Oh, but didn't you?" He pointed to the bloody mark left by Bakura's dagger.
"Impossible---" he said in awe.
"No it's not. Anything is possible in the Shadow Realm."
"You linked us yamis to our hikaris? That's crazy!"
"I know. That makes things a bit more complicated doesn't it Bakura? Anything you do to me, is done to your beloved Marik." He smirked, "If you kill me, he'll die too."
"That's not fair! You said-"
Yami Marik cut him off, "I know what I said. 'You'd live in harmony with your hikari,' though I didn't say which one. With these rules, Marik's blood will be on your hands. Do you understand now?"
Bakura chuckled bitterly, "I give you credit Yami Marik. You'd risk Ryou's life, the only person you supposedly 'care' about, just to prove you're in charge? You are crazy."
"Bakura. Don't even start. I've seen the way you toss Ryou around like he's nothing. You don't give a damn about him. All he's ever wanted was to make peace with you, and what have you given him? Nothing. Only I can give Ryou what he needs."
"You're really one to talk. Inhabiting Marik's body and forcing him to kill his father definitely wasn't any better, and yet, you stand here mocking me and telling me what I don't give Ryou? What have you ever given Marik?"
Yami Marik looked over Marik's weak form, "All he's ever deserved." His gaze shifted back to Bakura. "Enough babbling, we have a fight to continue."
Dark Necrofia dodged one of Succubus Knight's punches, but almost immediately, another one sent her stumbling back. Yami Marik had made a lucky guess. Succubus Knight had six arms giving her the definite 'upper hand' so to say. It was almost impossible for Dark Necrofia to dodge any of her blows without another one slamming into her. She needed some other way-- -
She quickly leapt at the blond, this time not aiming for her face, but instead, her knees. She duct down quickly dodging all of the aimed blows and swung her right leg around in one quick, swift movement hitting the girl right on her ankles. Succubus Knight instantly fell and Dark Necrofia wasted no time. She jumped up, folding her hands together in 'prayer-type' fashion, and right before the blond hit the ground, she slammed her 'fist' into the girl's side sending her soaring to one side and skidding to a stop.
Dark Necrofia slowly stood up, making sure to be cautious, and made her way over to the limp figure. She barely even made it half way, when one of the six arms began to twitch. She immediately stopped in her tracks and watched with slight surprise as Succubus Knight used all of her arms to slowly get up. At one point, she looked like a sort-of half spider creature. She had all six arms on the ground and slowly raised her head to look at Dark Necrofia. Her look was truly menacing. The dangerous blond was baring almost all of her teeth and making a sound that sounded like growling. She dashed forward and their fight continued on.
Yami Marik was about to strike Bakura again with the Item, but Bakura grasped onto his wrist with one hand, and used the other to punch Yami Marik in the gut. The grip on the item loosened, but was immediately returned as the dull-blond yami brought his free hand up to squeeze Bakura's neck. For a moment, Bakura's grasp on Yami Marik's wrist was strong, but when the denial of air made itself known, it weakened substantially allowing Yami Marik to pull his hand free.
Bakura's hand dropped to his side, then quickly came up to tug effortlessly at the crazed yami's hands. Another one of the dark Marik's hands came up increasing the pressure on the white-haired tomb robber's throat. Everything was fading in and out. Not good.
Yami Marik was *very* surprised when a small smirk came to Bakura's lips, and even more surprised when one of his hands extended out in one direction pointing at something. He turned his head and his gaze was met with a pitiful sight.
Ryou was on the ground with his hands at his neck trying to fend off some unknown enemy that seemed to be strangling him. His eyes were squeezed shut and his head thrashed from side to side as if in pain.
Instantly, Yami Marik released Bakura, letting him fall limply to the ground.
Ryou went still then, seconds later going into a coughing fit.
Yami Marik started to walk towards him, but Bakura spoke-
"Turn your back on me, and I'll kill you," the tomb robber choked out.
Yami Marik glowered and turned quickly, slamming the Millennium Rod this time into Bakura's jaw. "I'm the only one who makes threats dear boy."
"Oh really-" Bakura turned his head and spat out blood, then stood up to face the other yami. "Then why don't you start doing more, instead of chit chatting all the time. You're all talk and no game." He closed his eyes and turned one of his cheeks toward Marik's Yami. "Go on, free shot-"
Yami Marik clenched his fist and brought it up. "You're gonna make this too easy."
"-That is, if you're prepared for Ryou's blood to be on your hands."
Yami Marik snarled, then brought the Millennium Rod up, pointing it straight at Bakura. "One way or another, you're going to die today!"
A faint light emitted from the eye on the Rod. Bakura's chin fell against his chest for a moment.
The Rod glowed again, this time opening a dark portal in the 'ground' of the Shadow Realm.
Bakura's eyes looked empty and void.
Everything had went black---
0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0
Bakura shielded his eyes from the immense sunlight that beat down from above. Where was he? Everything around him was lush and green. A tire hoop swung from a tree nearby. Bakura shuddered. This looked like some place from a fairytale.
"Bakura! Come over here!" a soft voice called.
Bakura turned in the direction of the voice, but no one was there. All he faced was what looked to be a cliff. He slowly walked to the edge and looked down. "Ryou? What are you doing down there?"
Ryou splashed around in the pond that was only around 5 feet below from where Bakura stood. "I'm swimming. You should come in! The water's great."
Bakura wrinkled up his nose at the boy, then crossed his arms. "I am *not* getting in there. Who do you think I am?"
Ryou frowned then lowered his head. "Fine, you never ever want to do anything with me." He raised a tear-filled gaze toward the surprised tomb robber, "Do you really hate me that much?"
Bakura sighed, "No. I just don't want to go swimming, alright?"
Tears began to roll down Ryou's cheeks. "You do hate me! I can tell. You never ever care about my feelings! I'm always trying to help you out when I can, and try to be a good friend, but all you do is shove me away!" He shook his head from side to side. "Maybe your life would be better without me."
Bakura rolled his eyes, "That's not true Ryou. Now come up here and get dried off."
"No," was his simple reply. He fell backwards, disappearing into the crystal blue water.
"Ryou!" he yelled. "Stop playing around. Get back up here."
The water remained still.
"Ryou," he said, sounding more perturbed, "Get out of there now."
Still no reply.
Bakura began to worry. "Ryou! I'm not joking. You're scaring me, now get back up here!"
Silence.
Bakura's eye went wide with shock. "Ryou!" Fearing the worst, he took another step closer to the edge of the small cliff, and was about to jump when---
"Bakura! Wait!" another voice called.
Bakura craned his neck around and was shocked to see who was coming his way. "Marik?"
Marik held a hand out and kept running, "Don't go any further!"
"I have to."
"No you don't! It's a trick!"
"A trick---" Bakura turned back toward the water and looked down. He was shocked at was he saw next. The water turned to a murky purple color, and in it, a face was staring up at him with a very familiar devious smirk. "Yami Marik---" he whispered out.
Yami Marik lifted up and out of the water, somehow dry. The clear sky immediately darkened bringing black clouds that spat out rain and lightning. Everything around took on a somber hue. "Bakura--- why don't you come join us?" Marik's yami evilly suggested.
Bakura glared, taking a step back, "Never."
The lavender-eyed Yami jumped up, curling slender fingers around one of Bakura's ankles, and pulled.
Bakura slipped, falling to the ground hard, and grasped for something, but found nothing. He slid off the edge of the cliff, but thankfully, his hand caught onto the edging. His was still slipping, and slipping fast. He looked below and saw Yami Marik slide slowly back down into the water that seemed thicker now. It almost looked like a bubbling purple slime. Before he was totally immersed, he said one last thing: "One way or another, you're going to die today." He laughed then, sinisterly. It echoed through the air until finally, it was drowned out in choking coughs as the slime chocked it out. Bakura wondered where he had heard that phrase from. So familiar---
His grip loosened more.
What was he going to do? All he could do was hang. Below him, the slime had seemed to lower. He was now hanging about 30 feet from the 'ground.' What a mess he had gotten himself into.
Finally, he slipped-
-So then, why didn't he fall?
He felt someone's hands grasped tightly to his wrist. He looked up and gasped. "Marik."
Marik pulled back and slowly, Bakura began to rise up and back onto the ground. With one final tug, Bakura tumbled into Marik and back onto the ground.
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Bakura opened his eyes and looked up. He faced Marik's relieved gaze. "What happened?"
Marik breathed heavily trying to catch his breath, "My Yami controlled you with the Rod. He was trying to force you to kill yourself."
"You saved my life," he whispered out.
Marik pointed behind Bakura, "It's not over yet."
Bakura sat up and turned to face a large vortex that swirled downwards into an almost never-ending pit. "He almost made me jump into that?"
"Yes."
The portal seemed to be growing larger. The air in the Shadow Realm was becoming less and less thick. What was going on?
Both of the duel monsters had stopped and were facing the hole that dominated the Realm.
Yami Marik crossed his arms. "Now look what you've done Bakura! The void will swallow us all if it doesn't receive a sacrifice!"
Bakura gasped as he watched the portal extending more and more. "What? A sacrifice? This is your fault!" he turned toward the blonde yami. "Isn't there any way out of this?"
Yami Marik smirked. "Jump."
"Very funny," he said, although he contemplated it. If he sacrificed himself, everyone else would live. Maybe--- that was what he needed to do.
The portal began to growl angrily sending black lightning sparks about the Realm. Bakura and Marik had to take a few steps back. It was humongous.
Marik clutched onto Bakura's arm, "What are we going to do?"
Bakura shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe your yami is right."
"Don't say that!" he scolded. He looked around the Realm. Yami Marik was kneeling, holding Ryou tightly in his arms and whispering soft things to the weak form and occasionally kissing his forehead. Had he accepted the fact that they were all going to die?
Suddenly, he remembered a conversation he had had his sister when he was a young boy.
"Marik, if a lot of people are ever in trouble, then someone has to be the honorable one and risk their life for them, even if it means their death."
"But Ishizu, if that person dies, then what is the point? They risked their life for nothing."
"That's not true. They risked their life for everyone else. They don't come out with nothing. They have the credit of knowing that they saved those that needed their help, and possibly even those that they cared about. Do you understand?"
"Um, I think so. So then, someone has to stand up and take responsibility for everyone? Will they gain anything in return?"
"Of course, my brother, they will gain everyone else's respect- a far greater gift than most things."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
He shook his head suddenly at the memory. "Be- responsible-" he barely whispered. He started to walk towards the vortex which was only a few feet away.
Bakura raised an eyebrow. "Marik, what are you doing? Don't go too close--- "
Marik stopped and turned towards him. "Bakura, Ryou needs my yami and my yami needs him. I know I couldn't live without you, but---" he paused, eyes brimming with tears, "I know, if you tried hard, you could live without me."
Bakura's eyes went wide in shock. He took a few steps forward, slowly, almost afraid any sudden movements would cause the boy to jump. "Marik, what are you saying? That's not true. Come back over here now!"
"Maybe in another life we'll see each other again."
"I'll be damned! Marik, stop acting foolish and get over here."
"Goodbye Bakura."
The vortex opened wider and Marik stumbled backwards disappearing into it. It all happened so fast.
Bakura lunged at the portal, but slammed into the ground.
It had closed.
"No--- MARIK!" he yelled at the ground, as if it would open up at his will.
It did not.
Marik's Yami sat not too far away from the grief-stricken tomb robber. "He's gone, Bakura," he said, though his voice was surprisingly sad. "I'm sorry," he whispered out. Bakura didn't hear him though.
Ryou reached up and brought trembling fingertips to Yami Marik's lips. "C- Can't you--- b-bring him b-back? He is s-still in the Shadow R-Realm."
Marik's Yami seemed to think about it. "I don't know. I never thought about that. Why would I do a thing like that though?"
Ryou chocked out a sob, "You owe h-him a lot. He t-took all of our p-places- -- so we c-could be happy. Why c-can't we let him b-be?"
Yami Marik looked from Ryou to Bakura. He was clawing at the ground and sounded like he was--- crying. Finally he slammed his fist onto the 'ground' and continued to weep.
Yami Marik still didn't understand why Marik had done it. He himself had never done anything for his light before except cause madness and hurt. Why did Marik do it? Why? He owed him now. Ra, how much he hated 'owing' people.
He waved off the duel monsters, sending them each to their respective decks and sighed. Using one arm to hold Ryou, and the other to grip onto the Millennium Rod, he began to mutter fluent Egyptian words---
Everything turned white, then black, then no sound was heard.
Bakura opened his eyes. Where was he now? Soft light poured onto his body from somewhere--- a window? He rubbed his eyes and looked around. He was sitting on Ryou's bathroom floor. He quickly jumped to his feet and panicked. Where was Marik? Suddenly everything hit him. Marik was gone.
He stalked out of the bathroom and sat down on the bed. What was he going to do now? He had the lost the only person he had ever loved. He hadn't even gotten to say goodbye.
A soft breeze blew into the room from an open window, and for one second, Bakura felt hands creep around his waist, but he shook his head. He was not going to start to go crazy. Next, he felt someone gently nuzzle the back of his neck. He sat up straight, turned around fast, and frowned. No one was there--- or was someone---
The light that rained into the room stopping on the bed seemed to be--- forming something.
No, something was forming inside of it.
Tiny glittering particles slowly knitted their way together making a beautiful design. Once all of the pieces had the frame worked out, the light began to fill it in. In one swift breeze, the color was added. The light faded, and the wind stopped.
Someone fell limp on the bed.
Bakura brought his hand to touch the back of the person who slept soundly on the soft sheets. It was impossible. That striking tanned skin, sand- colored hair--- "Marik?" his voice cracked out.
For a moment, he jerked his hand back, almost afraid that it was a dream. The figure yawned and rolled over revealing stunning lavender eyes. "Bakura?" he said in a tired voice, "How long have I been sleeping?"
Bakura was still in shock. "Too long," he whispered.
Marik sat up then, worried about his friend. "Are you okay?" he said, staring in his face with concern.
Bakura ruffled Marik's hair, "You're really here," he tilted his head to the side, "Don't you remember anything?"
"Remember? I remember a lot of bad things happening in the Shadow Realm--- it wasn't a dream?"
"No. You died, Marik. You gave your life for us all. Why?"
Marik took a deep breath, "I had to. If a lot of people are ever in trouble, then someone has to be the honorable one and risk their life for them, even if it means their death. All I want to know is--- who saved me?"
All of a sudden, a large whirlpool of air began to form next to the bed. Out of it, water began to pour. It swirled vertically, as if an ocean had been tilted upwards. The water seemed to touch the floor, but it did not soak into it. Finally, when about a 1-inch thick 'wall' of water faced them, the whirlpool stopped, and only soft ripples pulsed through it.
Bakura and Marik looked into the water with awe. There stood their other halves, sitting just as they were.
Ryou scrambled off the bed, stood up and waved. "Hello you two."
Bakura puckered a brow, "Ryou, what are you doing in there?"
"It's the only way we could talk to you. Yami Marik created it. Nothing permanent."
"I should hope not."
Ryou sighed, "Well, Yami Marik has something he wants to say."
Marik's yami, who had been sitting patiently on the bed with his arms crossed, stood up and walked to Ryou's side. "I'm not sorry or anything, so don't get you hopes up."
Ryou nudged his side.
He gave Ryou an interesting look before continuing, "But, we have decided something." He rolled his eyes and looked at Ryou, "Can't you say it?"
Ryou smiled, "No. You can do it."
"Fine," he averted his perturbed gaze back to Bakura and Marik, "We've decided to truce."
Bakura smirked, "Truce? Such an uncharacteristic move for such a spiteful being, wouldn't you say?"
Yami Marik scowled, "Don't try my patience, tomb robber. Do you accept?"
Marik spoke up, "Under what conditions."
"I'm glad you asked. WE get the weekend nights, that gives you two the week."
Marik gawked, "WE have school. Besides, we're not even--- uh--- together like that."
Ryou smiled, "I estimate that it won't be much longer."
Bakura gave his light a strange look. "Listen Yami Marik," he said, "How about you two take the week days. That gives you what? Five days?"
Marik turned his questioning look on Bakura, "I can't believe you're suggesting that."
"I'll talk to YOU later," he said, focusing his hard glare on the boy.
Yami Marik's known leer returned. "Deal. I suppose we should return to our Soul Rooms then?" he looked to Ryou.
Ryou clasped onto his arm. "Yes."
As the two began to slowly disappear, Bakura spoke. "Ryou," he sighed, "I'll try to be a better yami. I--- hope you can forgive me for how unfair I've been."
Ryou smiled benevolently, "Of course I can," he said, and disappeared.
Yami Marik looked from the tomb robber to his light, "I guess I will too, but don't expect me to go soft or anything," he shuddered at the thought.
Marik grinned, "Don't worry, I can't see that happening in a million years."
Yami Marik smirked cunningly before also vanishing.
The water began to swirl into a whirlpool once again, evaporating in mere seconds.
Marik shook his head, "They really are an odd couple."
Bakura puckered a brow, "I don't know how Ryou puts up with him."
"It's over." He smiled, "We solved the mystery!" he wrapped his arms around Bakura's waist and hugged him tightly.
Bakura was taken back for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Yeah. Marik?" he said, running his fingers through the blonde's hair.
Marik jumped up, nearly fell off the bed, and sat down, legs crossed. "Let's go eat!"
"Eat?--- ok," he agreed. They hadn't yet had breakfast, and he had to admit, he was slightly hungry. He began to stand, but stopped, "Wait."
Marik paused at the door and turned around with a waiting glance. "Yes?"
"I- don't believe in a lot of things. I used to be a tomb robber, I took what I wanted. What I've learned is that--- some things just can't be taken or stolen, you have to ask for them." He chuckled bitterly. "There have been a lot of times when I've treated you like- well- shit. Maybe I'm not any better that your yami sometimes, but--- I'll try to be. I want to be. Marik, what I'm trying to say is I- um- l-lo- I lo-ve you," he finally struggled out.
Marik gaped. Bakura had lowered his head in embarrassment, hiding his beautiful russet orbs behind ivory bangs. The gape disappeared replaced by a fond smile. He walked back over to the Ring's yami, and leaned down slightly. "Is that a blush I see? From a proud and honorable tomb robber? I'm very disappointed in you," he teased.
Bakura looked up with a mystified and unbelieving look.
Marik tapped a finger on his cheek and faked a hurt look, "What, no kiss?"
Bakura smirked cunningly and then growled possessively while grabbing Marik by his arms and crushing their lips together. Both pairs of eyes instinctively fluttered closed. Marik's jaw went slack from the force allowing Bakura's tongue to delve in and engage in a fervor-inspired duel. Bakura easily dominated pushing the smaller boy back onto the bed and locking his hands to his sides with his own. He nibbled a trail from the blonde's jaw to his neck where he leaned into the juncture. "Gods, I love you Marik," he whispered.
Marik was breathing heavily as he snaked his way out of Bakura's grasp. "And I love you, but," he watched with mirth as the ivory-haired teen gripped possessively onto his wrists, "I'm still hungry and I don't think my stomach will let me go on much longer." He placed a chaste kiss on Bakura's cheek.
Bakura smirked, "Very well, let's eat out."
"Alright."
--
Not too long after, the two bustled out of the house occasionally laughing and cuddling.
Marik looped his arm through Bakura's as they made their way down the street toward one of the restaurants.
They passed by many houses, with only Marik stopping occasionally to point something interesting out, and Bakura stopping to 'assault' him. Marik was beginning to wonder if they'd ever get a chance to eat. He really didn't mind though.
"Marik Ishtar!" someone yelled from one of the nearby houses.
Both pairs of eyes went wide as Bakura and Marik turned to face, none other than, Ishizu once again.
Her arms were crossed and her blue eyes were lit with anger. "Where on earth do you think you're going?"
Marik was about to rebuke when his sister put up a hand, stopping him. A sly yet loving smile came to her lips as she held up her other hand which clutched loosely onto an article of clothing. "Don't forget your coat."
"Thank you, sister." Marik grabbed his coat and tried to hide his embarrassment from Bakura, but was unsuccessful.
"Don't forget your coat, sissy-boy," he teased, nudging Marik in the side.
"Bakura," Ishizu said, voice hard as steel.
Bakura twitched and turned around slowly. "Yes Ishizu?"
"Why don't you repeat that so that I may hear it?"
Bakura bit his lip, "I merely said, don't forget to thank your sister for being so kind."
Ishizu smirked. "I'm sure you did."
Bakura turned and continued to walk on with Marik at his side laughing.
"I'M a sissy-boy? I wish you could've just seen your face."
"Marik, shut up," he said, laughter evident in his voice. "You're just lucky I love you so damn much."
Marik smiled and held onto Bakura's hand. "I know."
"And I'm lucky that I have you to love me."
"Always."
And that is how they were to remain: happy, together, in love, and never apart.
Together-
Forever-
~*Always*~
0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0---The End---0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0
*Sigh* the end finally. I truly hoped you enjoyed it.
THANKS to those who have read and reviewed. I only updated because of you people. *tear* You keep me going on. *Raises an eyebrow* anyways, thanks.
If you would be so kind, review one more time? Tell me how what you thought of the end, or even the whole story in general. These comments help me a lot.
Farewell.
```AmethystRoze```
To LazyLiza: SORRY! I feel terrible now. I guess you can't please everybody though T_T I had this planned out from the start so there wasn't anything I could really do. Thanks for your support though.
To KiraKura: Um--- what is sleep again? Lol, kidding. I usually update during the weekend so it doesn't matter how long I stay up. *fall unconscious*
OH YEAH! QUESTION!: what the heck IS Yami Marik's other name(s)? I've seen so many it's scary. I need to get it straight or something. Someone said Malik, but I thought that was the hikari's name, and I've also seen Mariku a lot,--- help me -_-
Chapter 8
Yami Marik tapped a finger on his lip with that same conniving smirk played out. "Very well then, Bakura, here's how you play the game: You and I both choose one duel monster randomly from our decks. Now keep in mind, the monster's strength doesn't matter, but rather, it's ability to fight. Both our monsters, and us, will engage in a fight. Whoever's dead first, or whoever's monster is KO-ed, is obviously the loser. Alright?"
Bakura paused for a moment, "Wait, if I lose, Ryou will die, so how will that benefit you?"
He only smiled. "You obviously don't know the extent of my powers. Too bad. Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"First, aimlessly choose a duel monster from your deck."
Both of their decks appeared in front of them with the backs facing towards them. They were slightly fanned out so the person would have an easier time choosing. Bakura picked first, and his deck disappeared. Yami Marik picked second, his deck disappearing as well.
Both guys looked at their card and smirked.
In a flash of black lightning, both cards ascended into the air and disappeared forming into two different beings. When the lightning had vanished, the forms landed with ease onto the ground with the faintest of sound.
Facing Yami Marik was Dark Necrofia.
Opposite of Bakura was Succubus Knight.
Yami Marik stared at the menacing, yet silent, Lady card that belonged to Bakura. "So Bakura, it seems your deck has not let you down. I remember this lady all too well," he faked a bow.
Bakura glowered, but looked at Marik's monster. "Your deck obviously failed you to bring out such a pathetic monster."
"I told you Bakura, it is not strength that matters in this battle--- well, for them at least. Shall we begin?"
"Alright."
With one last haunting smirk, Yami Marik lunged forward, as did his Succubus Knight, both slamming into their enemies in one violent slash.
Bakura was pushed back at first, but easily grounded his feet and swung his fist around nailing the other yami in the jaw. Yami Marik was stationary for a minute, his head frozen in its turn to the side, eyes hidden behind his bangs.
Marik, who watched from afar, brought his hand up to his chin and drew it away, surprised when he saw blood---
Bakura smirked, and was about to strike again, when a flash of gold slammed into his left temple sending him staggering sideways. He faintly heard someone cry out in pain, but it was impossible to tell with the throbbing that had begun in his head. He looked up and saw Yami Marik, grinning mechanically, holding the Millennium Rod in his hand. Oh, things would have been a lot better if Yami Marik's body would stay still. The world around him was spinning and he couldn't think straight. "You dirty cheat," he growled.
Yami Marik chuckled, "Me? A cheat? Who ever said we couldn't use weapons?"
Bakura shook his head and stood up straight, the world falling back into place. "Good move, but not good enough." He jumped forward and in one fluid- like motion pulled a dagger from his pocket bringing it fast toward Yami Marik's abdomen.
He quickly moved to dodge it, slightly surprised by the attack, and it barely grazed his side drawing a thin line of crimson.
Bakura turned around to face the stunned yami with a smirk of victory on his face. Even if he had only made a minor injury, he had still hit him.
Yami Marik broke into a poignant fit of laughter. "You say I'm a cheat?"
"A good thief is always prepared. Didn't you know that?"
"Of course I did, but even so, it looks like I'm the one who gained that point, right Marik?"
Bakura was confused. He turned toward Marik wondering what in the world he was talking about. "What?!"
Marik was kneeling on the ground holding his side in pain. Blood was slowly seeping through his fingers even after his meager effort to stop it.
Bakura went to run to him but Yami Marik spoke quickly, "Turn your back on me, and I'll kill you."
Bakura turned glaring brown eyes on the other yami, baring his teeth and clenching his fists, "What did you do to him?"
Yami Marik cocked his head to the side, "What did *I* do? It's more like what *you* did."
"What are you talking about, I never touched him."
"Oh, but didn't you?" He pointed to the bloody mark left by Bakura's dagger.
"Impossible---" he said in awe.
"No it's not. Anything is possible in the Shadow Realm."
"You linked us yamis to our hikaris? That's crazy!"
"I know. That makes things a bit more complicated doesn't it Bakura? Anything you do to me, is done to your beloved Marik." He smirked, "If you kill me, he'll die too."
"That's not fair! You said-"
Yami Marik cut him off, "I know what I said. 'You'd live in harmony with your hikari,' though I didn't say which one. With these rules, Marik's blood will be on your hands. Do you understand now?"
Bakura chuckled bitterly, "I give you credit Yami Marik. You'd risk Ryou's life, the only person you supposedly 'care' about, just to prove you're in charge? You are crazy."
"Bakura. Don't even start. I've seen the way you toss Ryou around like he's nothing. You don't give a damn about him. All he's ever wanted was to make peace with you, and what have you given him? Nothing. Only I can give Ryou what he needs."
"You're really one to talk. Inhabiting Marik's body and forcing him to kill his father definitely wasn't any better, and yet, you stand here mocking me and telling me what I don't give Ryou? What have you ever given Marik?"
Yami Marik looked over Marik's weak form, "All he's ever deserved." His gaze shifted back to Bakura. "Enough babbling, we have a fight to continue."
Dark Necrofia dodged one of Succubus Knight's punches, but almost immediately, another one sent her stumbling back. Yami Marik had made a lucky guess. Succubus Knight had six arms giving her the definite 'upper hand' so to say. It was almost impossible for Dark Necrofia to dodge any of her blows without another one slamming into her. She needed some other way-- -
She quickly leapt at the blond, this time not aiming for her face, but instead, her knees. She duct down quickly dodging all of the aimed blows and swung her right leg around in one quick, swift movement hitting the girl right on her ankles. Succubus Knight instantly fell and Dark Necrofia wasted no time. She jumped up, folding her hands together in 'prayer-type' fashion, and right before the blond hit the ground, she slammed her 'fist' into the girl's side sending her soaring to one side and skidding to a stop.
Dark Necrofia slowly stood up, making sure to be cautious, and made her way over to the limp figure. She barely even made it half way, when one of the six arms began to twitch. She immediately stopped in her tracks and watched with slight surprise as Succubus Knight used all of her arms to slowly get up. At one point, she looked like a sort-of half spider creature. She had all six arms on the ground and slowly raised her head to look at Dark Necrofia. Her look was truly menacing. The dangerous blond was baring almost all of her teeth and making a sound that sounded like growling. She dashed forward and their fight continued on.
Yami Marik was about to strike Bakura again with the Item, but Bakura grasped onto his wrist with one hand, and used the other to punch Yami Marik in the gut. The grip on the item loosened, but was immediately returned as the dull-blond yami brought his free hand up to squeeze Bakura's neck. For a moment, Bakura's grasp on Yami Marik's wrist was strong, but when the denial of air made itself known, it weakened substantially allowing Yami Marik to pull his hand free.
Bakura's hand dropped to his side, then quickly came up to tug effortlessly at the crazed yami's hands. Another one of the dark Marik's hands came up increasing the pressure on the white-haired tomb robber's throat. Everything was fading in and out. Not good.
Yami Marik was *very* surprised when a small smirk came to Bakura's lips, and even more surprised when one of his hands extended out in one direction pointing at something. He turned his head and his gaze was met with a pitiful sight.
Ryou was on the ground with his hands at his neck trying to fend off some unknown enemy that seemed to be strangling him. His eyes were squeezed shut and his head thrashed from side to side as if in pain.
Instantly, Yami Marik released Bakura, letting him fall limply to the ground.
Ryou went still then, seconds later going into a coughing fit.
Yami Marik started to walk towards him, but Bakura spoke-
"Turn your back on me, and I'll kill you," the tomb robber choked out.
Yami Marik glowered and turned quickly, slamming the Millennium Rod this time into Bakura's jaw. "I'm the only one who makes threats dear boy."
"Oh really-" Bakura turned his head and spat out blood, then stood up to face the other yami. "Then why don't you start doing more, instead of chit chatting all the time. You're all talk and no game." He closed his eyes and turned one of his cheeks toward Marik's Yami. "Go on, free shot-"
Yami Marik clenched his fist and brought it up. "You're gonna make this too easy."
"-That is, if you're prepared for Ryou's blood to be on your hands."
Yami Marik snarled, then brought the Millennium Rod up, pointing it straight at Bakura. "One way or another, you're going to die today!"
A faint light emitted from the eye on the Rod. Bakura's chin fell against his chest for a moment.
The Rod glowed again, this time opening a dark portal in the 'ground' of the Shadow Realm.
Bakura's eyes looked empty and void.
Everything had went black---
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Bakura shielded his eyes from the immense sunlight that beat down from above. Where was he? Everything around him was lush and green. A tire hoop swung from a tree nearby. Bakura shuddered. This looked like some place from a fairytale.
"Bakura! Come over here!" a soft voice called.
Bakura turned in the direction of the voice, but no one was there. All he faced was what looked to be a cliff. He slowly walked to the edge and looked down. "Ryou? What are you doing down there?"
Ryou splashed around in the pond that was only around 5 feet below from where Bakura stood. "I'm swimming. You should come in! The water's great."
Bakura wrinkled up his nose at the boy, then crossed his arms. "I am *not* getting in there. Who do you think I am?"
Ryou frowned then lowered his head. "Fine, you never ever want to do anything with me." He raised a tear-filled gaze toward the surprised tomb robber, "Do you really hate me that much?"
Bakura sighed, "No. I just don't want to go swimming, alright?"
Tears began to roll down Ryou's cheeks. "You do hate me! I can tell. You never ever care about my feelings! I'm always trying to help you out when I can, and try to be a good friend, but all you do is shove me away!" He shook his head from side to side. "Maybe your life would be better without me."
Bakura rolled his eyes, "That's not true Ryou. Now come up here and get dried off."
"No," was his simple reply. He fell backwards, disappearing into the crystal blue water.
"Ryou!" he yelled. "Stop playing around. Get back up here."
The water remained still.
"Ryou," he said, sounding more perturbed, "Get out of there now."
Still no reply.
Bakura began to worry. "Ryou! I'm not joking. You're scaring me, now get back up here!"
Silence.
Bakura's eye went wide with shock. "Ryou!" Fearing the worst, he took another step closer to the edge of the small cliff, and was about to jump when---
"Bakura! Wait!" another voice called.
Bakura craned his neck around and was shocked to see who was coming his way. "Marik?"
Marik held a hand out and kept running, "Don't go any further!"
"I have to."
"No you don't! It's a trick!"
"A trick---" Bakura turned back toward the water and looked down. He was shocked at was he saw next. The water turned to a murky purple color, and in it, a face was staring up at him with a very familiar devious smirk. "Yami Marik---" he whispered out.
Yami Marik lifted up and out of the water, somehow dry. The clear sky immediately darkened bringing black clouds that spat out rain and lightning. Everything around took on a somber hue. "Bakura--- why don't you come join us?" Marik's yami evilly suggested.
Bakura glared, taking a step back, "Never."
The lavender-eyed Yami jumped up, curling slender fingers around one of Bakura's ankles, and pulled.
Bakura slipped, falling to the ground hard, and grasped for something, but found nothing. He slid off the edge of the cliff, but thankfully, his hand caught onto the edging. His was still slipping, and slipping fast. He looked below and saw Yami Marik slide slowly back down into the water that seemed thicker now. It almost looked like a bubbling purple slime. Before he was totally immersed, he said one last thing: "One way or another, you're going to die today." He laughed then, sinisterly. It echoed through the air until finally, it was drowned out in choking coughs as the slime chocked it out. Bakura wondered where he had heard that phrase from. So familiar---
His grip loosened more.
What was he going to do? All he could do was hang. Below him, the slime had seemed to lower. He was now hanging about 30 feet from the 'ground.' What a mess he had gotten himself into.
Finally, he slipped-
-So then, why didn't he fall?
He felt someone's hands grasped tightly to his wrist. He looked up and gasped. "Marik."
Marik pulled back and slowly, Bakura began to rise up and back onto the ground. With one final tug, Bakura tumbled into Marik and back onto the ground.
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Bakura opened his eyes and looked up. He faced Marik's relieved gaze. "What happened?"
Marik breathed heavily trying to catch his breath, "My Yami controlled you with the Rod. He was trying to force you to kill yourself."
"You saved my life," he whispered out.
Marik pointed behind Bakura, "It's not over yet."
Bakura sat up and turned to face a large vortex that swirled downwards into an almost never-ending pit. "He almost made me jump into that?"
"Yes."
The portal seemed to be growing larger. The air in the Shadow Realm was becoming less and less thick. What was going on?
Both of the duel monsters had stopped and were facing the hole that dominated the Realm.
Yami Marik crossed his arms. "Now look what you've done Bakura! The void will swallow us all if it doesn't receive a sacrifice!"
Bakura gasped as he watched the portal extending more and more. "What? A sacrifice? This is your fault!" he turned toward the blonde yami. "Isn't there any way out of this?"
Yami Marik smirked. "Jump."
"Very funny," he said, although he contemplated it. If he sacrificed himself, everyone else would live. Maybe--- that was what he needed to do.
The portal began to growl angrily sending black lightning sparks about the Realm. Bakura and Marik had to take a few steps back. It was humongous.
Marik clutched onto Bakura's arm, "What are we going to do?"
Bakura shook his head. "I don't know. Maybe your yami is right."
"Don't say that!" he scolded. He looked around the Realm. Yami Marik was kneeling, holding Ryou tightly in his arms and whispering soft things to the weak form and occasionally kissing his forehead. Had he accepted the fact that they were all going to die?
Suddenly, he remembered a conversation he had had his sister when he was a young boy.
"Marik, if a lot of people are ever in trouble, then someone has to be the honorable one and risk their life for them, even if it means their death."
"But Ishizu, if that person dies, then what is the point? They risked their life for nothing."
"That's not true. They risked their life for everyone else. They don't come out with nothing. They have the credit of knowing that they saved those that needed their help, and possibly even those that they cared about. Do you understand?"
"Um, I think so. So then, someone has to stand up and take responsibility for everyone? Will they gain anything in return?"
"Of course, my brother, they will gain everyone else's respect- a far greater gift than most things."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
He shook his head suddenly at the memory. "Be- responsible-" he barely whispered. He started to walk towards the vortex which was only a few feet away.
Bakura raised an eyebrow. "Marik, what are you doing? Don't go too close--- "
Marik stopped and turned towards him. "Bakura, Ryou needs my yami and my yami needs him. I know I couldn't live without you, but---" he paused, eyes brimming with tears, "I know, if you tried hard, you could live without me."
Bakura's eyes went wide in shock. He took a few steps forward, slowly, almost afraid any sudden movements would cause the boy to jump. "Marik, what are you saying? That's not true. Come back over here now!"
"Maybe in another life we'll see each other again."
"I'll be damned! Marik, stop acting foolish and get over here."
"Goodbye Bakura."
The vortex opened wider and Marik stumbled backwards disappearing into it. It all happened so fast.
Bakura lunged at the portal, but slammed into the ground.
It had closed.
"No--- MARIK!" he yelled at the ground, as if it would open up at his will.
It did not.
Marik's Yami sat not too far away from the grief-stricken tomb robber. "He's gone, Bakura," he said, though his voice was surprisingly sad. "I'm sorry," he whispered out. Bakura didn't hear him though.
Ryou reached up and brought trembling fingertips to Yami Marik's lips. "C- Can't you--- b-bring him b-back? He is s-still in the Shadow R-Realm."
Marik's Yami seemed to think about it. "I don't know. I never thought about that. Why would I do a thing like that though?"
Ryou chocked out a sob, "You owe h-him a lot. He t-took all of our p-places- -- so we c-could be happy. Why c-can't we let him b-be?"
Yami Marik looked from Ryou to Bakura. He was clawing at the ground and sounded like he was--- crying. Finally he slammed his fist onto the 'ground' and continued to weep.
Yami Marik still didn't understand why Marik had done it. He himself had never done anything for his light before except cause madness and hurt. Why did Marik do it? Why? He owed him now. Ra, how much he hated 'owing' people.
He waved off the duel monsters, sending them each to their respective decks and sighed. Using one arm to hold Ryou, and the other to grip onto the Millennium Rod, he began to mutter fluent Egyptian words---
Everything turned white, then black, then no sound was heard.
Bakura opened his eyes. Where was he now? Soft light poured onto his body from somewhere--- a window? He rubbed his eyes and looked around. He was sitting on Ryou's bathroom floor. He quickly jumped to his feet and panicked. Where was Marik? Suddenly everything hit him. Marik was gone.
He stalked out of the bathroom and sat down on the bed. What was he going to do now? He had the lost the only person he had ever loved. He hadn't even gotten to say goodbye.
A soft breeze blew into the room from an open window, and for one second, Bakura felt hands creep around his waist, but he shook his head. He was not going to start to go crazy. Next, he felt someone gently nuzzle the back of his neck. He sat up straight, turned around fast, and frowned. No one was there--- or was someone---
The light that rained into the room stopping on the bed seemed to be--- forming something.
No, something was forming inside of it.
Tiny glittering particles slowly knitted their way together making a beautiful design. Once all of the pieces had the frame worked out, the light began to fill it in. In one swift breeze, the color was added. The light faded, and the wind stopped.
Someone fell limp on the bed.
Bakura brought his hand to touch the back of the person who slept soundly on the soft sheets. It was impossible. That striking tanned skin, sand- colored hair--- "Marik?" his voice cracked out.
For a moment, he jerked his hand back, almost afraid that it was a dream. The figure yawned and rolled over revealing stunning lavender eyes. "Bakura?" he said in a tired voice, "How long have I been sleeping?"
Bakura was still in shock. "Too long," he whispered.
Marik sat up then, worried about his friend. "Are you okay?" he said, staring in his face with concern.
Bakura ruffled Marik's hair, "You're really here," he tilted his head to the side, "Don't you remember anything?"
"Remember? I remember a lot of bad things happening in the Shadow Realm--- it wasn't a dream?"
"No. You died, Marik. You gave your life for us all. Why?"
Marik took a deep breath, "I had to. If a lot of people are ever in trouble, then someone has to be the honorable one and risk their life for them, even if it means their death. All I want to know is--- who saved me?"
All of a sudden, a large whirlpool of air began to form next to the bed. Out of it, water began to pour. It swirled vertically, as if an ocean had been tilted upwards. The water seemed to touch the floor, but it did not soak into it. Finally, when about a 1-inch thick 'wall' of water faced them, the whirlpool stopped, and only soft ripples pulsed through it.
Bakura and Marik looked into the water with awe. There stood their other halves, sitting just as they were.
Ryou scrambled off the bed, stood up and waved. "Hello you two."
Bakura puckered a brow, "Ryou, what are you doing in there?"
"It's the only way we could talk to you. Yami Marik created it. Nothing permanent."
"I should hope not."
Ryou sighed, "Well, Yami Marik has something he wants to say."
Marik's yami, who had been sitting patiently on the bed with his arms crossed, stood up and walked to Ryou's side. "I'm not sorry or anything, so don't get you hopes up."
Ryou nudged his side.
He gave Ryou an interesting look before continuing, "But, we have decided something." He rolled his eyes and looked at Ryou, "Can't you say it?"
Ryou smiled, "No. You can do it."
"Fine," he averted his perturbed gaze back to Bakura and Marik, "We've decided to truce."
Bakura smirked, "Truce? Such an uncharacteristic move for such a spiteful being, wouldn't you say?"
Yami Marik scowled, "Don't try my patience, tomb robber. Do you accept?"
Marik spoke up, "Under what conditions."
"I'm glad you asked. WE get the weekend nights, that gives you two the week."
Marik gawked, "WE have school. Besides, we're not even--- uh--- together like that."
Ryou smiled, "I estimate that it won't be much longer."
Bakura gave his light a strange look. "Listen Yami Marik," he said, "How about you two take the week days. That gives you what? Five days?"
Marik turned his questioning look on Bakura, "I can't believe you're suggesting that."
"I'll talk to YOU later," he said, focusing his hard glare on the boy.
Yami Marik's known leer returned. "Deal. I suppose we should return to our Soul Rooms then?" he looked to Ryou.
Ryou clasped onto his arm. "Yes."
As the two began to slowly disappear, Bakura spoke. "Ryou," he sighed, "I'll try to be a better yami. I--- hope you can forgive me for how unfair I've been."
Ryou smiled benevolently, "Of course I can," he said, and disappeared.
Yami Marik looked from the tomb robber to his light, "I guess I will too, but don't expect me to go soft or anything," he shuddered at the thought.
Marik grinned, "Don't worry, I can't see that happening in a million years."
Yami Marik smirked cunningly before also vanishing.
The water began to swirl into a whirlpool once again, evaporating in mere seconds.
Marik shook his head, "They really are an odd couple."
Bakura puckered a brow, "I don't know how Ryou puts up with him."
"It's over." He smiled, "We solved the mystery!" he wrapped his arms around Bakura's waist and hugged him tightly.
Bakura was taken back for a moment, but he quickly recovered. "Yeah. Marik?" he said, running his fingers through the blonde's hair.
Marik jumped up, nearly fell off the bed, and sat down, legs crossed. "Let's go eat!"
"Eat?--- ok," he agreed. They hadn't yet had breakfast, and he had to admit, he was slightly hungry. He began to stand, but stopped, "Wait."
Marik paused at the door and turned around with a waiting glance. "Yes?"
"I- don't believe in a lot of things. I used to be a tomb robber, I took what I wanted. What I've learned is that--- some things just can't be taken or stolen, you have to ask for them." He chuckled bitterly. "There have been a lot of times when I've treated you like- well- shit. Maybe I'm not any better that your yami sometimes, but--- I'll try to be. I want to be. Marik, what I'm trying to say is I- um- l-lo- I lo-ve you," he finally struggled out.
Marik gaped. Bakura had lowered his head in embarrassment, hiding his beautiful russet orbs behind ivory bangs. The gape disappeared replaced by a fond smile. He walked back over to the Ring's yami, and leaned down slightly. "Is that a blush I see? From a proud and honorable tomb robber? I'm very disappointed in you," he teased.
Bakura looked up with a mystified and unbelieving look.
Marik tapped a finger on his cheek and faked a hurt look, "What, no kiss?"
Bakura smirked cunningly and then growled possessively while grabbing Marik by his arms and crushing their lips together. Both pairs of eyes instinctively fluttered closed. Marik's jaw went slack from the force allowing Bakura's tongue to delve in and engage in a fervor-inspired duel. Bakura easily dominated pushing the smaller boy back onto the bed and locking his hands to his sides with his own. He nibbled a trail from the blonde's jaw to his neck where he leaned into the juncture. "Gods, I love you Marik," he whispered.
Marik was breathing heavily as he snaked his way out of Bakura's grasp. "And I love you, but," he watched with mirth as the ivory-haired teen gripped possessively onto his wrists, "I'm still hungry and I don't think my stomach will let me go on much longer." He placed a chaste kiss on Bakura's cheek.
Bakura smirked, "Very well, let's eat out."
"Alright."
--
Not too long after, the two bustled out of the house occasionally laughing and cuddling.
Marik looped his arm through Bakura's as they made their way down the street toward one of the restaurants.
They passed by many houses, with only Marik stopping occasionally to point something interesting out, and Bakura stopping to 'assault' him. Marik was beginning to wonder if they'd ever get a chance to eat. He really didn't mind though.
"Marik Ishtar!" someone yelled from one of the nearby houses.
Both pairs of eyes went wide as Bakura and Marik turned to face, none other than, Ishizu once again.
Her arms were crossed and her blue eyes were lit with anger. "Where on earth do you think you're going?"
Marik was about to rebuke when his sister put up a hand, stopping him. A sly yet loving smile came to her lips as she held up her other hand which clutched loosely onto an article of clothing. "Don't forget your coat."
"Thank you, sister." Marik grabbed his coat and tried to hide his embarrassment from Bakura, but was unsuccessful.
"Don't forget your coat, sissy-boy," he teased, nudging Marik in the side.
"Bakura," Ishizu said, voice hard as steel.
Bakura twitched and turned around slowly. "Yes Ishizu?"
"Why don't you repeat that so that I may hear it?"
Bakura bit his lip, "I merely said, don't forget to thank your sister for being so kind."
Ishizu smirked. "I'm sure you did."
Bakura turned and continued to walk on with Marik at his side laughing.
"I'M a sissy-boy? I wish you could've just seen your face."
"Marik, shut up," he said, laughter evident in his voice. "You're just lucky I love you so damn much."
Marik smiled and held onto Bakura's hand. "I know."
"And I'm lucky that I have you to love me."
"Always."
And that is how they were to remain: happy, together, in love, and never apart.
Together-
Forever-
~*Always*~
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*Sigh* the end finally. I truly hoped you enjoyed it.
THANKS to those who have read and reviewed. I only updated because of you people. *tear* You keep me going on. *Raises an eyebrow* anyways, thanks.
If you would be so kind, review one more time? Tell me how what you thought of the end, or even the whole story in general. These comments help me a lot.
Farewell.
```AmethystRoze```