Ummm... Hi! This chapter will contain the ideas I thought to write to the
end of ch 8, but didn't have time to in order for it to get posted... So
yes, it will begin with an 'unknown' POV... Usually it is in the end of the
chapter. And a little development in S/J in the end of this chapter, about
time I get it going!
Thanks to Ru-chan (I'm glad!), PanDora (It really does get harder for him... He'll suffer from it a good deal in the beginning of the next chapter), Jadej.j (^^ Interesting things coming up next, at least I hope they're interesting), r*a*d*i*a*n*y (^___^ Oh, you noticed... I'm beginning to bore myself the way I write all my reviews, perhaps I'll try not to be so annoyingly cheerful. I love long reviews, so don't bother sounding so apologetic over it! I can't believe you think it good enough to re-read all the time, though o.O), Eeyaatoe (a hard time, yes... I'll promise it will get better for them soon!), Lady Kaiba (Oh, you will? Good! Sorry about the shortness, but it really had been too long since I posted last time), Dark Lady Setsuna (I'm cruel alright! ^.^ I have a tendency to make all the readers who like this suffer...), Seventh Sage (a little twist on revelations this chapter...), Neko-chan (but 'Sympathy For The Devil' is so good! Yugi will be a bit depressed after this chapter, but it will be alright... Oh, I'm so cruel *cackles*), highqueenofthegods (^^ you're so right), Kat (leaving you in suspense, am I? ^.~) and Jadesaber (that 'hole' keeps him worried for a time yet... I'm way too evil for my own good)
Slaying the Dreamer, chapter 9: A Slip of the Tongue?
---Unknown POV---
The cold night around me, wind soothing my burning skin, I collected information of this brave new time from the minds of sleeping people. So clueless, some even innocent. And for those innocent ones I had my task, for them I was hunting, for them and their children.
This era of technology, new inventions, new ways of living, free opinions. I loved it already. Perhaps I could even stay for a while after my prey was down. But they were, of course, my priority. They were the reason I was awake.
Did the old lore not state, 'even as the lords and ladies are unaware of the night, does the Hunter go after his prey, walking with the aid of the winds, warmed by the flames of people's hearts. He hunts for the forsaken ones, the crimson-clad, and the gods bless his quest'? There was no force powerful enough to make me forget those lines, even if my memories were otherwise very dim. Like faded pictures that have stayed in sunlight too long, and the rain has washed away all the colors.
But my time for gathering the information was almost finished, I knew enough to be able to get about here. And I knew that I had to take either one of those huge ships or the 'airplanes' to get where I wanted to go. All I needed now was money, and it wasn't very hard to get. After all, they might think their fortunes were well guarded, but those guards were nothing for me. They owed me the means to get to my targets.
---Marik POV - WARNING!!! He has a little suicidal streak! ---
Sitting in my cold room, surrounded by the soothing darkness, I thought of this futile life and the pointless things most people did with them. So much pain, suffering and death, so much selfishness, pride and contempt. I hated them all.
Feeling the slender length of the ancient rod I was given early in my life, I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't think of anything else but my hatred and my pain. I slid the sharp blade in and out of its sheath, a small nervous habit I had developed a dozen or so years ago. It soothed me somehow, made me less depressed. But sometimes...
Sometimes it just made things worse. I could remember the first time, I had been more depressed than ever before. I was playing with the Rod again, when feeling the sharp edge against my skin gave me an idea. I really hadn't thought on it back then, I did it. It felt good to have my mind off the things in my mind, to be able to concentrate on other stuff.
Isis had saved me then, as she had saved me all the other times. I feared she would have to save me again this night. Nothing was wrong with it if you asked me, except that she had to see me in such a state. I loathed myself for bringing her such pain, yet I couldn't help it. I had to do it.
I feared sometimes my mind had bent in some point. Surely I was crazy, I couldn't be held responsible for my actions. I would spend even days wrapped up in that sweet feeling that I was free, but then the reality would crash in. It was all my fault. I wished for release of it, but I couldn't be released. It was always there - the guilt, the pain, the depression. Even when they were farthest from me, in my happiest moments, they weren't very far.
Looking at the blade with dull eyes, I could feel tears find their way out. I had to do this, even if it would solve nothing. Even if it would make me feel even worse. Even if I would regret it later.
Pressing the blade firmly against my wrist, I started sobbing. When the sharp edge dug into my scarred skin, I could feel thoughts fly away. Now I didn't have to think anymore. Blood gushing out, I slashed again and dropped the Rod to my lap. Hazily pressing my wounded hand against my chest, I tried to breathe deep to stop sobbing.
Then I could see the lights from the hall. Isis was here.
"Not again, Marik. Why do you have to keep doing this?"
Her voice was pained. She didn't understand, nobody did. She _couldn't_ understand. Rising from my bed, I took a step towards her healing presence, and collapsed. The darkness came, welcoming me back. I embraced it.
---Yami POV---
I guiltily avoided Yugi's suspicious gaze and turned back to Seto.
"No need to speak like that here. You'll just scare them."
"Are you sure that's not my intention?"
"Seto, please. Not right now..."
He stood there silently for a long moment, looking at me. Then he turned away, speaking in a low voice.
"Can you still not remember? You are bringing about your own doom, being here like this. This is what you should be avoiding at all costs, dear Pharaoh. 'Bound to the night, bound to the blood..."
---Flashback---
"...bound to the endless starless sky. The Hunter seeks the lovers."
I looked at the High Priest expressionlessly. What gibberish. How dared he waste my precious time like this?
"You _do_ know that you're merely making me angry at you. To go through so much trouble to get these so-called prophecies. Get rid of them."
"But sa Re [1]!"
"No buts, Seto. I don't want to hear another word out of your mouth until you have gotten over this nonsense."
He looked sullen. What had made me trust him back then? I couldn't remember. Dismissing him from my presence, I got back to my favorite hobby - admiring my Items and making plans on how to use them. The opportunities were so numerous... I couldn't decide. But I had time.
"Seize him!"
---End of flashback---
My head wheeling, I stumbled forward to catch that elusive priest.
"Remember? I can remember berating you back in Egypt for caring about those particular lines. What do they mean? And what happened to me?!"
I could hear my voice had a slightly panicky edge to it. I didn't care at the moment, the memories were overwhelming.
"You brought about your own doom then, and I think you are doing the same now. You and that rash tomb robber, going about doing whatever you please. I haven't still located the guardian [2], but I have no doubt that he is doing something foolish, too. Sometimes I truly think those items do something to your sanity."
Staring at him, I held tightly on to his hand so he wouldn't get away. Seto could tell me everything if he just chose to do so. And there lied the problem. He didn't want to.
"Starting to feel a touch hopeless, Yami? Well, the life of a vampire tends to be hopeless. No reason you should be different from the rest of us."
He broke free from my grip, and sat down on the nearest chair. I could but stare at him.
"What? Do you truly think I would miss this show? The mortals heard everything. I would love to see you get your way out of _this_!"
He laughed coldly. I didn't dare to turn around, in fear of what I might see in the face of Yugi.
"I'm so sorry... I'm sorry."
Taking a hold of Seto, I hauled him out of the chair, and spoke to the humans again, still not looking at them.
"Please forgive me, Yugi. I must go. I won't bother you again."
Dragging Seto - not that I really needed to drag him, but urging him onwards - I walked out of the house and closed the door. I leaned against it, exhausted. Why did all this have to happen to _me_?
"Don't bother Yugi. That's all I ask of you. Leave him and his friends alone."
"Life is hard, isn't it? I promise, I won't touch your precious mortal."
After hearing his solemn promise, I walked away. Too much to think about, again. This time was way too complicated. Especially a certain person in it.
---Jounouchi POV---
Finally daring to breathe again, I looked at Yugi, holding my wounded hand. My friend was a nervous wreck, and he hadn't even had the worst of it. I would say getting attacked by some kind of a freak was way too worse, but who was I to say. I didn't know what had happened to _him_.
"Are you okay, Yugi?"
He didn't even glance at me. I couldn't blame him. How well had he really known that guy who looked so much like him? From the looks of it earlier, pretty well. Or then he was completely screwed up, doing something like that wasn't like him. At all.
"Jounouchi-kun, could I ask you to leave? I...I really need to be alone to think about this."
The plea was delivered in a low voice, almost a whisper. I sighed.
"You sure? Maybe I could help somehow."
"I'm sure. Please... Just go."
I nodded silently, already walking out of the room. Some things needed to be went through alone, and this seemed to be one of them. Not that I myself was very calm about the whole matter, I mean - vampires? Who would have ever thought... I wondered if all the old stories of them were true.
I went outside and stood still for a moment. The moon shone brightly, wind chilled the air. I heard it rustle the leaves on the trees, the hushed sound calming in effect.
"It truly is wonderful, the night I mean. And don't even think of shouting, I can kill you in a second if you do."
The warning was unnecessary, I couldn't even move from the shock as I felt his muscled arms wrap around me.
"Now, let's not bother the short one any more, we can go somewhere else. Move on. I think you came from left."
The tall vampire guided me onwards, not giving me a chance to protest.
"The night has always fascinated me, I don't know why. Perhaps it's because of all the myths we had back in my youth. I would listen to them, unnoticeably of course, and marvel at what the human mind could make up. I never truly believed in anything but power... You could say even something, don't expect _me_ to keep up the whole conversation."
I stopped, refusing to be led forward anymore.
"A bit hard to get a word in when you blabber like that!"
He looked down at me, and laughed.
"Oh, so there _is_ some spirit in you after all! I love it when I'm right!"
"Shut your big mouth for once!"
I was quite literally fuming, trying to fend off his arms that encircled me, which were preventing me from getting away. He had stopped laughing, and now leaned down to look me in the eye.
"Ahhh, so charming"
Getting a little nervous, I doubled my efforts. He was getting uncomfortably near. Then he drew me nearer and nearly pressed his lips to my neck. I gave a little start and focused on pushing him away.
"But you know, it is too fun to let the situation develop a little bit. You needn't fear for your life, but I would suggest that you fear for your sanity."
His hot breath felt strangely good on my skin. Then he suddenly withdrew and walked away.
"Suddenly I'm not hungry anymore. Go home."
I was just about to yell something obscene to him, when he vanished from my view. Quickly I looked to every direction, but couldn't find him. Trying to get back to normal, I adjusted my jacket and obeyed him - much to my dislike.
---
[1] 'Son of Re (Ra)', the pharaoh
[2] Yami Marik is referred to as 'guardian', mostly because I couldn't come up with anything else. The title will be clarified in the future flashbacks.
That's it, people, the second night is done! Look for future revelations of Yami's past, hints on the identity of the 'unknown', some twists between our favorite couples and a surprising appearance during the next night! Please review!
Thanks to Ru-chan (I'm glad!), PanDora (It really does get harder for him... He'll suffer from it a good deal in the beginning of the next chapter), Jadej.j (^^ Interesting things coming up next, at least I hope they're interesting), r*a*d*i*a*n*y (^___^ Oh, you noticed... I'm beginning to bore myself the way I write all my reviews, perhaps I'll try not to be so annoyingly cheerful. I love long reviews, so don't bother sounding so apologetic over it! I can't believe you think it good enough to re-read all the time, though o.O), Eeyaatoe (a hard time, yes... I'll promise it will get better for them soon!), Lady Kaiba (Oh, you will? Good! Sorry about the shortness, but it really had been too long since I posted last time), Dark Lady Setsuna (I'm cruel alright! ^.^ I have a tendency to make all the readers who like this suffer...), Seventh Sage (a little twist on revelations this chapter...), Neko-chan (but 'Sympathy For The Devil' is so good! Yugi will be a bit depressed after this chapter, but it will be alright... Oh, I'm so cruel *cackles*), highqueenofthegods (^^ you're so right), Kat (leaving you in suspense, am I? ^.~) and Jadesaber (that 'hole' keeps him worried for a time yet... I'm way too evil for my own good)
Slaying the Dreamer, chapter 9: A Slip of the Tongue?
---Unknown POV---
The cold night around me, wind soothing my burning skin, I collected information of this brave new time from the minds of sleeping people. So clueless, some even innocent. And for those innocent ones I had my task, for them I was hunting, for them and their children.
This era of technology, new inventions, new ways of living, free opinions. I loved it already. Perhaps I could even stay for a while after my prey was down. But they were, of course, my priority. They were the reason I was awake.
Did the old lore not state, 'even as the lords and ladies are unaware of the night, does the Hunter go after his prey, walking with the aid of the winds, warmed by the flames of people's hearts. He hunts for the forsaken ones, the crimson-clad, and the gods bless his quest'? There was no force powerful enough to make me forget those lines, even if my memories were otherwise very dim. Like faded pictures that have stayed in sunlight too long, and the rain has washed away all the colors.
But my time for gathering the information was almost finished, I knew enough to be able to get about here. And I knew that I had to take either one of those huge ships or the 'airplanes' to get where I wanted to go. All I needed now was money, and it wasn't very hard to get. After all, they might think their fortunes were well guarded, but those guards were nothing for me. They owed me the means to get to my targets.
---Marik POV - WARNING!!! He has a little suicidal streak! ---
Sitting in my cold room, surrounded by the soothing darkness, I thought of this futile life and the pointless things most people did with them. So much pain, suffering and death, so much selfishness, pride and contempt. I hated them all.
Feeling the slender length of the ancient rod I was given early in my life, I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, couldn't think of anything else but my hatred and my pain. I slid the sharp blade in and out of its sheath, a small nervous habit I had developed a dozen or so years ago. It soothed me somehow, made me less depressed. But sometimes...
Sometimes it just made things worse. I could remember the first time, I had been more depressed than ever before. I was playing with the Rod again, when feeling the sharp edge against my skin gave me an idea. I really hadn't thought on it back then, I did it. It felt good to have my mind off the things in my mind, to be able to concentrate on other stuff.
Isis had saved me then, as she had saved me all the other times. I feared she would have to save me again this night. Nothing was wrong with it if you asked me, except that she had to see me in such a state. I loathed myself for bringing her such pain, yet I couldn't help it. I had to do it.
I feared sometimes my mind had bent in some point. Surely I was crazy, I couldn't be held responsible for my actions. I would spend even days wrapped up in that sweet feeling that I was free, but then the reality would crash in. It was all my fault. I wished for release of it, but I couldn't be released. It was always there - the guilt, the pain, the depression. Even when they were farthest from me, in my happiest moments, they weren't very far.
Looking at the blade with dull eyes, I could feel tears find their way out. I had to do this, even if it would solve nothing. Even if it would make me feel even worse. Even if I would regret it later.
Pressing the blade firmly against my wrist, I started sobbing. When the sharp edge dug into my scarred skin, I could feel thoughts fly away. Now I didn't have to think anymore. Blood gushing out, I slashed again and dropped the Rod to my lap. Hazily pressing my wounded hand against my chest, I tried to breathe deep to stop sobbing.
Then I could see the lights from the hall. Isis was here.
"Not again, Marik. Why do you have to keep doing this?"
Her voice was pained. She didn't understand, nobody did. She _couldn't_ understand. Rising from my bed, I took a step towards her healing presence, and collapsed. The darkness came, welcoming me back. I embraced it.
---Yami POV---
I guiltily avoided Yugi's suspicious gaze and turned back to Seto.
"No need to speak like that here. You'll just scare them."
"Are you sure that's not my intention?"
"Seto, please. Not right now..."
He stood there silently for a long moment, looking at me. Then he turned away, speaking in a low voice.
"Can you still not remember? You are bringing about your own doom, being here like this. This is what you should be avoiding at all costs, dear Pharaoh. 'Bound to the night, bound to the blood..."
---Flashback---
"...bound to the endless starless sky. The Hunter seeks the lovers."
I looked at the High Priest expressionlessly. What gibberish. How dared he waste my precious time like this?
"You _do_ know that you're merely making me angry at you. To go through so much trouble to get these so-called prophecies. Get rid of them."
"But sa Re [1]!"
"No buts, Seto. I don't want to hear another word out of your mouth until you have gotten over this nonsense."
He looked sullen. What had made me trust him back then? I couldn't remember. Dismissing him from my presence, I got back to my favorite hobby - admiring my Items and making plans on how to use them. The opportunities were so numerous... I couldn't decide. But I had time.
"Seize him!"
---End of flashback---
My head wheeling, I stumbled forward to catch that elusive priest.
"Remember? I can remember berating you back in Egypt for caring about those particular lines. What do they mean? And what happened to me?!"
I could hear my voice had a slightly panicky edge to it. I didn't care at the moment, the memories were overwhelming.
"You brought about your own doom then, and I think you are doing the same now. You and that rash tomb robber, going about doing whatever you please. I haven't still located the guardian [2], but I have no doubt that he is doing something foolish, too. Sometimes I truly think those items do something to your sanity."
Staring at him, I held tightly on to his hand so he wouldn't get away. Seto could tell me everything if he just chose to do so. And there lied the problem. He didn't want to.
"Starting to feel a touch hopeless, Yami? Well, the life of a vampire tends to be hopeless. No reason you should be different from the rest of us."
He broke free from my grip, and sat down on the nearest chair. I could but stare at him.
"What? Do you truly think I would miss this show? The mortals heard everything. I would love to see you get your way out of _this_!"
He laughed coldly. I didn't dare to turn around, in fear of what I might see in the face of Yugi.
"I'm so sorry... I'm sorry."
Taking a hold of Seto, I hauled him out of the chair, and spoke to the humans again, still not looking at them.
"Please forgive me, Yugi. I must go. I won't bother you again."
Dragging Seto - not that I really needed to drag him, but urging him onwards - I walked out of the house and closed the door. I leaned against it, exhausted. Why did all this have to happen to _me_?
"Don't bother Yugi. That's all I ask of you. Leave him and his friends alone."
"Life is hard, isn't it? I promise, I won't touch your precious mortal."
After hearing his solemn promise, I walked away. Too much to think about, again. This time was way too complicated. Especially a certain person in it.
---Jounouchi POV---
Finally daring to breathe again, I looked at Yugi, holding my wounded hand. My friend was a nervous wreck, and he hadn't even had the worst of it. I would say getting attacked by some kind of a freak was way too worse, but who was I to say. I didn't know what had happened to _him_.
"Are you okay, Yugi?"
He didn't even glance at me. I couldn't blame him. How well had he really known that guy who looked so much like him? From the looks of it earlier, pretty well. Or then he was completely screwed up, doing something like that wasn't like him. At all.
"Jounouchi-kun, could I ask you to leave? I...I really need to be alone to think about this."
The plea was delivered in a low voice, almost a whisper. I sighed.
"You sure? Maybe I could help somehow."
"I'm sure. Please... Just go."
I nodded silently, already walking out of the room. Some things needed to be went through alone, and this seemed to be one of them. Not that I myself was very calm about the whole matter, I mean - vampires? Who would have ever thought... I wondered if all the old stories of them were true.
I went outside and stood still for a moment. The moon shone brightly, wind chilled the air. I heard it rustle the leaves on the trees, the hushed sound calming in effect.
"It truly is wonderful, the night I mean. And don't even think of shouting, I can kill you in a second if you do."
The warning was unnecessary, I couldn't even move from the shock as I felt his muscled arms wrap around me.
"Now, let's not bother the short one any more, we can go somewhere else. Move on. I think you came from left."
The tall vampire guided me onwards, not giving me a chance to protest.
"The night has always fascinated me, I don't know why. Perhaps it's because of all the myths we had back in my youth. I would listen to them, unnoticeably of course, and marvel at what the human mind could make up. I never truly believed in anything but power... You could say even something, don't expect _me_ to keep up the whole conversation."
I stopped, refusing to be led forward anymore.
"A bit hard to get a word in when you blabber like that!"
He looked down at me, and laughed.
"Oh, so there _is_ some spirit in you after all! I love it when I'm right!"
"Shut your big mouth for once!"
I was quite literally fuming, trying to fend off his arms that encircled me, which were preventing me from getting away. He had stopped laughing, and now leaned down to look me in the eye.
"Ahhh, so charming"
Getting a little nervous, I doubled my efforts. He was getting uncomfortably near. Then he drew me nearer and nearly pressed his lips to my neck. I gave a little start and focused on pushing him away.
"But you know, it is too fun to let the situation develop a little bit. You needn't fear for your life, but I would suggest that you fear for your sanity."
His hot breath felt strangely good on my skin. Then he suddenly withdrew and walked away.
"Suddenly I'm not hungry anymore. Go home."
I was just about to yell something obscene to him, when he vanished from my view. Quickly I looked to every direction, but couldn't find him. Trying to get back to normal, I adjusted my jacket and obeyed him - much to my dislike.
---
[1] 'Son of Re (Ra)', the pharaoh
[2] Yami Marik is referred to as 'guardian', mostly because I couldn't come up with anything else. The title will be clarified in the future flashbacks.
That's it, people, the second night is done! Look for future revelations of Yami's past, hints on the identity of the 'unknown', some twists between our favorite couples and a surprising appearance during the next night! Please review!