Sorry for the long wait, everyone! I got caught up in my other ideas -
mostly because I couldn't decide which of them to write. So now I have no
less than three new fics coming in a short while o.O Thankfully two of them
are oneshots. Look for the disclaimer in earlier chapters.
Oooh, am I happy now. I have a really hot picture of Marik as wallpaper on my computer now ^.^ I searched for a good one for real long... *smiles widely* And did you check out my new bio? I think it's a bit more original now, at least I haven't seen any written like that before.
Thanks to Yami Tsuki Tenshi (actually this is the first story I write that I actually think is somewhat satisfyingly written... And I have no idea why), Renee the Rabid Squirrel (Great to know someone thinks it is so good), Chisa and Neko (thank you for the compliment. Here's the next chapter!), Sage, Mistress of Magic (O.o really? I seem to affect people somewhat), Lady Geuna (*giggles* I like it too), Neko-chan (you thought it was good? *sighs in relief* I really appreciate your offer, I'll contact you if I get stuck in some part! ^^ I'll try to find the book, haven't seen it anywhere), firedraygon97 (*laughs* now really? I _do_ seem to leave the chapters in very interesting places), Jealous Vampiress (good that you liked it! R/B is one of my favorites), Synchronized Love (I'm relieved... now that you would have the next chapter posted quick! I had a wonderful Christmas, I hope yours was too!), sher (strange ending? *blinks* yeah, it kind of was... I'll try to get more Y/Y fluffiness, just can't stuff the chapters full of it so early...), highqueenofthegods (it really would have been... And I nearly wrote forward of that, but then managed to put a hold on myself ^.~ I'll try to find the books, sounds interesting) and Jadesaber (glad you like it! Weren't you the last one in the list of ch 5 too? O.O)
Slaying the Dreamer, chapter 6: Questions Unanswered
---Yami POV---
My mind worked frantically to search an easy way out of this. I could hardly admit to Yugi I was a vampire, and had lived as a human in ancient Egypt, where I had ruled with terror and tears as the pharaoh.
"I...it's merely a nickname he decided to give me for some reason."
Oh, how pathetic. And it didn't go through, for Yugi was looking at me weirdly. But he didn't say anything of it.
"You sure have strange friends. And I've never had so many questions of some other person before, you seem to draw them like a light draws flies in a dark night."
That image was so vivid - and true - that I couldn't counter it in any way. I had an odd feeling I had used those of myself long ago. Moths flying to a flame... No, I couldn't remember. All I could remember was blood. I stood there, cherishing the feel of Yugi's supporting hand around me. I wished he wouldn't take it away, no matter my own hesitation and doubts about him - us.
"Are you truly all right?"
"Yes, little one. That tomb robber couldn't harm me badly if he wanted to."
"Tomb robber?"
I looked down to him. He looked suspicious, and he had right to be. Not only had others made my situation harder, now I did it too.
"It's my nickname to him."
Yugi looked disappointed.
"You know, you don't have to tell me if you don't want me to know, but please don't lie to me."
He took a few steps away from me, in the same time withdrawing his hand from its previous position. Immediately guilt flooded my mind. I shouldn't lie to him... But neither could I tell him the truth.
"I'm sorry... The truth is... The truth is very complicated. And even though I feel like I should trust you with my life, I cannot tell you. Not yet, at least. Perhaps some other day.
The short boy had a closed, sad expression on his face.
"I know the feeling. And do you know what the weirdest thing is? I don't even know your name..."
"It's Yami, little one. At least I can tell you that."
"Well, I was hoping you could tell me something else, too."
He looked hesitant, avoided my questioning look, biting his lip in distress. For that alone, I was willing to tell him anything. I couldn't resist.
"Were you... You know, last night. I woke up in the middle of the night. I had this feeling that you were near. It's impossible, I know. But all my life I've had these feelings, I can feel some people when they're close. And this feeling was really strong this time... I was sure you were somewhere, but I couldn't see you. It's silly. I would just like to know whether you really were there."
I couldn't answer. My mouth seemed clamped shut, and all the strength in the world couldn't get it open. I could feel how my eyes were unnaturally wide - although covered by sunglasses. That was a really rare gift in mortals... And I had already promised myself not to lie to this young boy, it would feel too hideous. What could I answer?
Yugi was looking at me from the corner of his eye, hopefully, but a little shyly. When my answer was so delayed, I could see that little glimmer of hope slowly fade away. His cheeks a little flushed, he bent his head.
"I shouldn't even have said that. I'm sorry. Forget it."
He turned as if to go, and I was jolted out of my immobility. Reaching towards him, words poured out of my mouth, I had no control over them. The important thing now was to make him stay, feel a little better about himself.
"No no, don't go. If you really need to know, I _was_ there, but don't take me for a stalker now, I merely stumbled on your house, and how I knew it was yours... I have the same gift you have, no need to be ashamed or something, I understand. I wasn't expecting finding you anywhere, and in fact after what happened earlier that night I was determined not to go near you again and..."
To my infinite relief he turned back to me. I knew now I shouldn't let this boy go, there had to be something weird behind this whole matter with the double Items, and it could get dangerous. A mortal who wasn't really so powerful might get really hurt in this. And maybe I could have answers from him, some small piece of information hidden in the back of his mind. And just maybe he could even help me adjust to this new world of theirs, who better to teach me their ways than a child of the very century?
"I hope you wouldn't go. I'll try to answer you questions, but remember I don't know all the answers myself. And some of that knowledge must stay safely stay in my mind."
Yugi looked thoughtful. I wished I could read his mind, the thoughts going through his head right now. But perhaps it was better no such gift was given to the vampire kind.
"You'd really do that? I hope you are true to your word."
With that he sat on the bench I had waited for him before this same night. It felt like an eternity since I had sat there worrying about what to tell him. Now all those plans were for nothing, I'd have to tell him the truth if I was going to say something. Sighing heavily, I accompanied him. I didn't need to wait long for the first disturbing question.
"When we met earlier this night, did you really come out of that tomb? What were you doing there?"
I was silent for a while. This might be harder than I had thought it to be.
"I _did_ come from there. And as to what I was doing... I'm afraid that's one of the questions I cannot answer."
"Then why did you admit to doing that? I would have been perfectly content if you said you couldn't answer, now you just managed to make me even more curious."
"I don't know... I don't even know why I'm doing this, you are virtually a complete stranger to me."
"Truly."
He kept his gaze somewhere far away, not looking at me. The next question came as a complete surprise.
"Did you really kiss me last night? When you came to my room?"
He was still not looking at me. As for me, I couldn't look anywhere else but him. After every other thing he had noticed, why did it come as a surprise to me he had noticed this too?
He looked at me now, I could feel how distressed he was. Gently, as not to scare him, I touched his face, leaning towards him slightly.
"...Yes, I did."
His violet eyes shimmered with tears, and with a little whimper he came closer to me, timidly pressing his lips against mine.
I held him, trying to keep my wits as the pure scent of his blood invaded my senses and his warm mouth pressed against my lips. Opening my mouth by instinct, his tongue slipped in, deepening the kiss, and this time there were no regrets. A small voice kept telling me to be careful because of my fangs, but I couldn't make myself care right now. Thankfully nothing serious happened. I never wanted this heaven to end, but eventually we had to stop to get some air.
I was surprise to see tears in his eyes.
"Why did this happen to me? All I ever wanted was to be normal... Anzu is very nice, we have gone on a date a few times. I wanted someone like her - someone normal... Then I have to go and fall for a guy, who looks almost exactly like me to top it. Why?"
He started sobbing, and all I could do was to hold him, whisper soothing words to his ear, hoping that life wouldn't be so cruel to the young one.
---Marik POV [1] ---
The air whipped past me exhilaratingly, the cold night-time air chilling my heated skin. That guy... Who was he? He looked so much like me. I had met him a bit earlier for the first time, walking to my motorcycle. He had just showed up from nowhere and tried to beat me up. He didn't manage to do that, of course. I was too good with that kind of stuff, I had had too much practice. But damn, he was really strong... Unnaturally so.
And I had a feeling he had been holding back... It was a good thing he had decided to retreat, but it bothered me that I didn't know why. Drowning in my moody thoughts in the night, as I often did, I headed towards my new home in this foreign city, where my sister had insisted to come. To leave our warm Egypt for this chillness... Sometimes I really couldn't understand her.
Sure, Egypt was chilly sometimes, but this was different. Here, it was cold during the day, too. How could these people take this?
Driving onwards, I pondered on this cold-skinned stranger. Intriguing.
But hey, what was life without mysteries? I grinned. Perhaps this could keep me satisfied during our stay, to look for that strong mirror image of mine.
---Unknown POV---
The six victims had met each other. It was time to wake up finally, wake up from my dream of a millennia.
I opened my eyes, seeing only darkness. The space I was in was narrow, I couldn't move my hands. Gathering the strength of my mind, I blasted the obstacles away. Still dark, but at least I could move. Move after so long.
Stretching my unused muscles, I took a few tentative steps on the dry, sandy ground. The air was warm, hot really, and dry. My prey was far away, but I had time.
---
[1] My favorite bishounen, don't even think I'd leave him out of this! *cackles evilly* although I don't necessarily put him with his yami - he might also be alone. Or even a third one in B/R... I don't know, don't get scared yet. And suggestions are welcome - as always.
AN: Don't kill me... I know exactly what I'm doing, now. I got most of the fic planned out - but that's not going to help you right now. *grins* I should say that the more reviews I get, the more inspired I am to write. And no - I am not threatening with a long time between chapters anymore. I can't stay off the computer anyway...
Oooh, am I happy now. I have a really hot picture of Marik as wallpaper on my computer now ^.^ I searched for a good one for real long... *smiles widely* And did you check out my new bio? I think it's a bit more original now, at least I haven't seen any written like that before.
Thanks to Yami Tsuki Tenshi (actually this is the first story I write that I actually think is somewhat satisfyingly written... And I have no idea why), Renee the Rabid Squirrel (Great to know someone thinks it is so good), Chisa and Neko (thank you for the compliment. Here's the next chapter!), Sage, Mistress of Magic (O.o really? I seem to affect people somewhat), Lady Geuna (*giggles* I like it too), Neko-chan (you thought it was good? *sighs in relief* I really appreciate your offer, I'll contact you if I get stuck in some part! ^^ I'll try to find the book, haven't seen it anywhere), firedraygon97 (*laughs* now really? I _do_ seem to leave the chapters in very interesting places), Jealous Vampiress (good that you liked it! R/B is one of my favorites), Synchronized Love (I'm relieved... now that you would have the next chapter posted quick! I had a wonderful Christmas, I hope yours was too!), sher (strange ending? *blinks* yeah, it kind of was... I'll try to get more Y/Y fluffiness, just can't stuff the chapters full of it so early...), highqueenofthegods (it really would have been... And I nearly wrote forward of that, but then managed to put a hold on myself ^.~ I'll try to find the books, sounds interesting) and Jadesaber (glad you like it! Weren't you the last one in the list of ch 5 too? O.O)
Slaying the Dreamer, chapter 6: Questions Unanswered
---Yami POV---
My mind worked frantically to search an easy way out of this. I could hardly admit to Yugi I was a vampire, and had lived as a human in ancient Egypt, where I had ruled with terror and tears as the pharaoh.
"I...it's merely a nickname he decided to give me for some reason."
Oh, how pathetic. And it didn't go through, for Yugi was looking at me weirdly. But he didn't say anything of it.
"You sure have strange friends. And I've never had so many questions of some other person before, you seem to draw them like a light draws flies in a dark night."
That image was so vivid - and true - that I couldn't counter it in any way. I had an odd feeling I had used those of myself long ago. Moths flying to a flame... No, I couldn't remember. All I could remember was blood. I stood there, cherishing the feel of Yugi's supporting hand around me. I wished he wouldn't take it away, no matter my own hesitation and doubts about him - us.
"Are you truly all right?"
"Yes, little one. That tomb robber couldn't harm me badly if he wanted to."
"Tomb robber?"
I looked down to him. He looked suspicious, and he had right to be. Not only had others made my situation harder, now I did it too.
"It's my nickname to him."
Yugi looked disappointed.
"You know, you don't have to tell me if you don't want me to know, but please don't lie to me."
He took a few steps away from me, in the same time withdrawing his hand from its previous position. Immediately guilt flooded my mind. I shouldn't lie to him... But neither could I tell him the truth.
"I'm sorry... The truth is... The truth is very complicated. And even though I feel like I should trust you with my life, I cannot tell you. Not yet, at least. Perhaps some other day.
The short boy had a closed, sad expression on his face.
"I know the feeling. And do you know what the weirdest thing is? I don't even know your name..."
"It's Yami, little one. At least I can tell you that."
"Well, I was hoping you could tell me something else, too."
He looked hesitant, avoided my questioning look, biting his lip in distress. For that alone, I was willing to tell him anything. I couldn't resist.
"Were you... You know, last night. I woke up in the middle of the night. I had this feeling that you were near. It's impossible, I know. But all my life I've had these feelings, I can feel some people when they're close. And this feeling was really strong this time... I was sure you were somewhere, but I couldn't see you. It's silly. I would just like to know whether you really were there."
I couldn't answer. My mouth seemed clamped shut, and all the strength in the world couldn't get it open. I could feel how my eyes were unnaturally wide - although covered by sunglasses. That was a really rare gift in mortals... And I had already promised myself not to lie to this young boy, it would feel too hideous. What could I answer?
Yugi was looking at me from the corner of his eye, hopefully, but a little shyly. When my answer was so delayed, I could see that little glimmer of hope slowly fade away. His cheeks a little flushed, he bent his head.
"I shouldn't even have said that. I'm sorry. Forget it."
He turned as if to go, and I was jolted out of my immobility. Reaching towards him, words poured out of my mouth, I had no control over them. The important thing now was to make him stay, feel a little better about himself.
"No no, don't go. If you really need to know, I _was_ there, but don't take me for a stalker now, I merely stumbled on your house, and how I knew it was yours... I have the same gift you have, no need to be ashamed or something, I understand. I wasn't expecting finding you anywhere, and in fact after what happened earlier that night I was determined not to go near you again and..."
To my infinite relief he turned back to me. I knew now I shouldn't let this boy go, there had to be something weird behind this whole matter with the double Items, and it could get dangerous. A mortal who wasn't really so powerful might get really hurt in this. And maybe I could have answers from him, some small piece of information hidden in the back of his mind. And just maybe he could even help me adjust to this new world of theirs, who better to teach me their ways than a child of the very century?
"I hope you wouldn't go. I'll try to answer you questions, but remember I don't know all the answers myself. And some of that knowledge must stay safely stay in my mind."
Yugi looked thoughtful. I wished I could read his mind, the thoughts going through his head right now. But perhaps it was better no such gift was given to the vampire kind.
"You'd really do that? I hope you are true to your word."
With that he sat on the bench I had waited for him before this same night. It felt like an eternity since I had sat there worrying about what to tell him. Now all those plans were for nothing, I'd have to tell him the truth if I was going to say something. Sighing heavily, I accompanied him. I didn't need to wait long for the first disturbing question.
"When we met earlier this night, did you really come out of that tomb? What were you doing there?"
I was silent for a while. This might be harder than I had thought it to be.
"I _did_ come from there. And as to what I was doing... I'm afraid that's one of the questions I cannot answer."
"Then why did you admit to doing that? I would have been perfectly content if you said you couldn't answer, now you just managed to make me even more curious."
"I don't know... I don't even know why I'm doing this, you are virtually a complete stranger to me."
"Truly."
He kept his gaze somewhere far away, not looking at me. The next question came as a complete surprise.
"Did you really kiss me last night? When you came to my room?"
He was still not looking at me. As for me, I couldn't look anywhere else but him. After every other thing he had noticed, why did it come as a surprise to me he had noticed this too?
He looked at me now, I could feel how distressed he was. Gently, as not to scare him, I touched his face, leaning towards him slightly.
"...Yes, I did."
His violet eyes shimmered with tears, and with a little whimper he came closer to me, timidly pressing his lips against mine.
I held him, trying to keep my wits as the pure scent of his blood invaded my senses and his warm mouth pressed against my lips. Opening my mouth by instinct, his tongue slipped in, deepening the kiss, and this time there were no regrets. A small voice kept telling me to be careful because of my fangs, but I couldn't make myself care right now. Thankfully nothing serious happened. I never wanted this heaven to end, but eventually we had to stop to get some air.
I was surprise to see tears in his eyes.
"Why did this happen to me? All I ever wanted was to be normal... Anzu is very nice, we have gone on a date a few times. I wanted someone like her - someone normal... Then I have to go and fall for a guy, who looks almost exactly like me to top it. Why?"
He started sobbing, and all I could do was to hold him, whisper soothing words to his ear, hoping that life wouldn't be so cruel to the young one.
---Marik POV [1] ---
The air whipped past me exhilaratingly, the cold night-time air chilling my heated skin. That guy... Who was he? He looked so much like me. I had met him a bit earlier for the first time, walking to my motorcycle. He had just showed up from nowhere and tried to beat me up. He didn't manage to do that, of course. I was too good with that kind of stuff, I had had too much practice. But damn, he was really strong... Unnaturally so.
And I had a feeling he had been holding back... It was a good thing he had decided to retreat, but it bothered me that I didn't know why. Drowning in my moody thoughts in the night, as I often did, I headed towards my new home in this foreign city, where my sister had insisted to come. To leave our warm Egypt for this chillness... Sometimes I really couldn't understand her.
Sure, Egypt was chilly sometimes, but this was different. Here, it was cold during the day, too. How could these people take this?
Driving onwards, I pondered on this cold-skinned stranger. Intriguing.
But hey, what was life without mysteries? I grinned. Perhaps this could keep me satisfied during our stay, to look for that strong mirror image of mine.
---Unknown POV---
The six victims had met each other. It was time to wake up finally, wake up from my dream of a millennia.
I opened my eyes, seeing only darkness. The space I was in was narrow, I couldn't move my hands. Gathering the strength of my mind, I blasted the obstacles away. Still dark, but at least I could move. Move after so long.
Stretching my unused muscles, I took a few tentative steps on the dry, sandy ground. The air was warm, hot really, and dry. My prey was far away, but I had time.
---
[1] My favorite bishounen, don't even think I'd leave him out of this! *cackles evilly* although I don't necessarily put him with his yami - he might also be alone. Or even a third one in B/R... I don't know, don't get scared yet. And suggestions are welcome - as always.
AN: Don't kill me... I know exactly what I'm doing, now. I got most of the fic planned out - but that's not going to help you right now. *grins* I should say that the more reviews I get, the more inspired I am to write. And no - I am not threatening with a long time between chapters anymore. I can't stay off the computer anyway...