Oh wow, more wonderful reviews... (Y. Shenya: as if you didn't get them
before) Okay, now we've reached the fourth night of the story, and are
nearly half-way through. *thinks* I'm amazed... As a little hint, there's
lots of action during this night. In the timeline this is the night
beginning on Monday, and new moon is drawing near. New moon, the time of
death but also new beginnings...
As a little side note I forgot to add the 'hunter' to the 13th chapter. Yay, go me -___-; But do not be fooled by this note, the POV in this chapter is still during the fourth night.
Many thanks to Ru-chan (*sighs in relief* it's good that people didn't freak out because of the last chapter), highqueenofthegods (^^ I take it you liked it), Black-Magic-Spellbinder (I love plotting on those flashbacks... It' actually interesting to figure out what should have happened that they have turned out like they are in the 'present day'), Lady Kaiba (got a bit messed up with all my exams in the beginning of the week... I hope it wasn't too long a wait), Hotaru the Demon Goddess (it really made a great image, didn't it? Oh, and he was _supposed to be_ heartless, it was back then...), Jadesaber (you thought he would? Strange, up to the moment of writing it, I thought Yami would stay in his decision O.o), RndmFnFcWrtr (oh, thank you! *huggles the reviewer*), Neko-chan (^.~ and here I thought I'd get bashed for that chappie), Seventh Sage (I seem to have a bad habit of reading depressing fics too...), Dark Lady Setsuna (*glares at FF.Net* I hate it when it does that. More R/B coming up, I seriously need to get all those couples together soon), firedraygon97 (oh, rest assured, it will be coming soon enough *grin*), Lady Geuna (^.^ The couples will get on the way soon), Yamis Girlfriend (I can't believe that either... Such a cruel thing to do! O.o YS: But you're the author! S: So what?), Slice (M/I will get very interesting during this night...), Chibizoo (I think I agree with you on those reviews...), MaidenoftheMoon (*big grin* oh yes, it _was_ kinda surprising...), Renee the Rabid Squirrel (yeah, the flashbacks have been pretty confusing most of the time. But now I can settle to filling the rest of the gaps), Diamond (Cookies! *grabs them and starts to gulf down* YS: oh boy. Never give her sugar), Silver Dragon (oh yes, he's not gonna get far with that kind of behavior), Naturi (...harmony? I don't think I'd be capable of writing such for long. Perhaps in the distant future ^^), RogueMoon (there's that 'no cliches' speech again... I really don't understand you people, I feel like I've included every possible blunder ^~) and r*a*d*i*a*n*y (one more review cut short -___-; That is so annoying... oh well, I love those long reviews of yours!)
Slaying the Dreamer, chapter 14: The Eye of the Web
---Hunter POV---
Oh yes, very near now. Very near indeed. But while I couldn't just yet get to my prey, I had another thing to do right now. One of those that had once been mine was somewhere even nearer, in fact in the very same city.
Which would it be? I couldn't quite make it out... It didn't matter so much, the important thing was that it indeed _was_ here. And I would get it, possess the power once more.
The waning sickle of a moon shone in the sky, but it was hard to see because of all the lights they had in this city. I was nearly used to it by now, the way humans lit every place they were in nowadays. So bright, it reminded me of the sun I hadn't seen since I accepted my mission all those years ago.
But no, no time to dwell on those memories, for now I had a chance to recover some of my power. The tall building housing it loomed in front of me, a big lump of metal, stone and glass. I merely walked in, shrouded by my abilities, not worried if anyone actually saw me or if they tried to stop me. This was justified.
Long hallways, covered by luxurious carpets, anonymous doors dotting the smooth walls now and then, endless flights of stairs and elevators here and there. I had arrived to some kind of an office building. No matter, the power would once again be mine.
I walked on, searching for that which was essentially a part of me, I followed the winding hallways, climbed the stairs and finally, finally arrived to a door. The metal plaque announced it to be the office of Pegasus J Crawford, but the name said nothing to me. Neither did it matter.
I opened the smooth door and went in, the cool of my mind for once broken in anticipation of once more holding the Eye.
A silver-haired man sat behind the table, looking up from his papers as I approached him.
"I thought we were closed"
I didn't grace him with an answer. Mortal affairs were not worth taking notice of, and my attention was on his face. There it was, finally. For what reason the man had taken up the use of the Eye, I didn't know, but now it had more pressing matters to serve than anything this mortal might do with it.
"I am sorry, but I need it. It shall be given back to you once the mission is accomplished, but no sooner. Be glad that you didn't steal it, otherwise you'd be dead already."
Giving him no time to think on my words, I gathered the powers of my mind and took a firm hold of the Eye with them. Getting it out of his head was no hard task, but unfortunately he started bleeding badly.
After wavering for a small while, holding the Eye in my free hand, I decided to pity this mortal and gave him a trickle of my life-force, thus healing his wounds.
Leaving the human unconscious, I walked out, not having anything else to do with him.
---Ryou POV---
It was night again. Would he come back? I truly hoped so, but the way he had left last night didn't serve to assure me of his return. But surely he would...
I don't know what had happened between us, but I felt like I couldn't live another day without him. To have such feelings... It was strange. One moment you're living your life as always, the next it is filled with vampires, especially a certain white-haired one. He wasn't gentle, far from it, and what he had done that first night was something I wasn't able to forget, but maybe I could forgive?
I didn't know, and the possibilities surrounding me were confusing. Surely I would wake up any moment now and notice it had all been a dream... Could one feel so intensely in dreams? Probably not, but I felt so distant from the life I used to have.
Walking ahead, I tried to save myself from drowning into these thoughts. I seemed to have a weird urge to walk a lot these days, it somehow calmed me. And it provided me with plenty of time to think on what I was doing... Not that it made much sense even when I thought on it. Or perhaps because of it.
I don't know, but this uncertainty was eating me alive. How could I get used to normal life again, if such an opportunity presented itself? Would I even want to...?
The answer came to me, when I suddenly felt a familiar presence. There was no way I was going back!
Turning the corner, I saw him. Looking as good as the last time, and pissed off at the cops talking with him. What trouble had he gotten himself in? Gathering the courage I never knew I had, I walked up to them, and took a hold of the vampire's arm.
"There you are! I've been searching for you!"
He looked at me, eyes widened a fraction. Surprise? Did I even see a touch of fear? Must be my imagination.
"You shouldn't leave me like that, who knows what kind of people I could walk to this late at night."
"So you know him? In that case would you be kind enough to answer a few questions, as he is somewhat...reluctant to speak to us."
"Well of course, officer!"
I could very well imagine what the two policemen had received for their questions. Fighting a little smile, I tightened my hold on the vampire's arm, and looked questioningly at them.
"There's been a murder, a young girl has been drained of all her blood somehow. Someone fitting his description was seen with her. Do you happen to know his whereabouts about two hours ago?"
I tried to look innocent, confused, and most of all trustworthy, but cold settled in me. Of course, he was a vampire. No big deal, it was his nature to feed on humans. No big deal.
"He's been -"
I didn't continue, for the officer's face was now somehow...blank. The other policeman had the same vacant expression. I licked my lips, uncertain as to what I should do.
"Walk. We shouldn't be here when they wake up."
The strong arm that was suddenly draped around my shoulders pushed me forward. I complied, and tried to throw those two out of my mind. Nothing I could do about it.
And here I was again, held by the vampire, a fly caught in a spider's web.
---Seto POV---
I glanced around. The hallway was blessedly empty. He wasn't here. Walking ahead, relieved, I neglected my other senses, and because of this he managed to catch up on me.
"There you are... Don't try to run away from me! Where did you disappear for the whole frickin day?"
"Watch what you're speaking, little one"
Grimacing, I stopped and waited for Mokuba to catch up on me. There was no helping it now, I had to deal with him again. What a bother.
"So, where you heading? Can I come too?"
"You can't."
"But niisan! I'm bored... And you didn't answer my first question"
"That's because you don't need to know. If you're bored, you can always go to sleep, or find something else to do than pester me with it"
The little boy grinned mischievously.
"Well now, you're more fun than anyone I've met before. Nobody dared to stand up to me"
"Then it's time somebody does. Now go, I'm busy"
"Only if you promise I'll get to be with you tomorrow"
"Whatever. Go"
I resumed walking, and he shouted after me
"I'll hold you on to that!"
I really didn't have time to fool around with him right now. I was going to feed now, and then would be time to pay a little visit to Jounouchi. This night would hopefully turn out to include some fun...
---Yami POV---
One more awakening. But now as I slowly rose from the sleep I fell into during the day, I didn't smell the familiar dustiness of a tomb. Where was I?
The memories crashed in once more, leaving me dizzy. Oh yes, I was in the basement of Yugi's house. It had been too late to go somewhere else when I had finally given the approaching morning some thought, and had been forced to stay, even though in my self-loathing I had wanted to go somewhere else. Maybe even into the sunlight.
No, I couldn't do that, and leave Yugi alone. Not with that feeling of doom hanging over us. And as I thought this, the feeling intensified. Coming closer? No, not at the moment. Just getting stronger. My eyes narrowed as I contemplated on this.
If it would grow much stronger, I was sure I couldn't win whatever was coming. Maybe not even with the aid of other vampires.
"Yami, are you awake?"
I jolted away from my musings, worried about the short boy that looked so much like me.
"You shouldn't be up, you know."
"I just wanted to see if you're awake. The sun is setting, the last rays of light still glow in the horizon."
As I know it would be. As it had been for a very long time now.
I got up, and walked to Yugi. He seemed a little pale, but I sensed nothing that wouldn't go away in a few days if he was careful.
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine."
I could understand his closemouthedness in this matter. I still couldn't believe I had fed on him last night, even if I had been angry. Was my promise so easily broken? But since I didn't remember what had made me decide not to drink from humans, did it really matter? Or was my crime even greater because of it...?
Trying to shrug those questions away, I lifted Yugi to my arms, and started walking up the stairs to get to the better lit areas of his house. More sensing than seeing the disagreeing look on the little one's face, I answered his unspoken protest.
"I told you, I'm not letting you exhaust yourself. I brought this on you, and I will damn well make sure you survive it too."
He resigned to his fate, acting like it was a big bother to him, but I couldn't but notice how he snuggled close to my chest and a tiny smile lit his face.
How come he wasn't afraid of me? Why didn't he hate me? Too many questions, and not enough answers. My life seemed to be that way since I woke from my long sleep, if it could be called a life. Perhaps death would be more appropriate term?
---
AN: Whoa, so the 'hunter' is definitely not Pegasus... Are you curious yet? You should be able to figure out who he is with everything I wrote in this chapter. It's not that hard to guess, you know. I have a feeling that part about Mokuba was completely useless, and way too short besides. Perhaps adding him was a mistake... The POVs in this chapter are all too short, and the action I promised this night to contain was nowhere visible -___- Great. Perhaps better luck next chapter. Please review!
As a little side note I forgot to add the 'hunter' to the 13th chapter. Yay, go me -___-; But do not be fooled by this note, the POV in this chapter is still during the fourth night.
Many thanks to Ru-chan (*sighs in relief* it's good that people didn't freak out because of the last chapter), highqueenofthegods (^^ I take it you liked it), Black-Magic-Spellbinder (I love plotting on those flashbacks... It' actually interesting to figure out what should have happened that they have turned out like they are in the 'present day'), Lady Kaiba (got a bit messed up with all my exams in the beginning of the week... I hope it wasn't too long a wait), Hotaru the Demon Goddess (it really made a great image, didn't it? Oh, and he was _supposed to be_ heartless, it was back then...), Jadesaber (you thought he would? Strange, up to the moment of writing it, I thought Yami would stay in his decision O.o), RndmFnFcWrtr (oh, thank you! *huggles the reviewer*), Neko-chan (^.~ and here I thought I'd get bashed for that chappie), Seventh Sage (I seem to have a bad habit of reading depressing fics too...), Dark Lady Setsuna (*glares at FF.Net* I hate it when it does that. More R/B coming up, I seriously need to get all those couples together soon), firedraygon97 (oh, rest assured, it will be coming soon enough *grin*), Lady Geuna (^.^ The couples will get on the way soon), Yamis Girlfriend (I can't believe that either... Such a cruel thing to do! O.o YS: But you're the author! S: So what?), Slice (M/I will get very interesting during this night...), Chibizoo (I think I agree with you on those reviews...), MaidenoftheMoon (*big grin* oh yes, it _was_ kinda surprising...), Renee the Rabid Squirrel (yeah, the flashbacks have been pretty confusing most of the time. But now I can settle to filling the rest of the gaps), Diamond (Cookies! *grabs them and starts to gulf down* YS: oh boy. Never give her sugar), Silver Dragon (oh yes, he's not gonna get far with that kind of behavior), Naturi (...harmony? I don't think I'd be capable of writing such for long. Perhaps in the distant future ^^), RogueMoon (there's that 'no cliches' speech again... I really don't understand you people, I feel like I've included every possible blunder ^~) and r*a*d*i*a*n*y (one more review cut short -___-; That is so annoying... oh well, I love those long reviews of yours!)
Slaying the Dreamer, chapter 14: The Eye of the Web
---Hunter POV---
Oh yes, very near now. Very near indeed. But while I couldn't just yet get to my prey, I had another thing to do right now. One of those that had once been mine was somewhere even nearer, in fact in the very same city.
Which would it be? I couldn't quite make it out... It didn't matter so much, the important thing was that it indeed _was_ here. And I would get it, possess the power once more.
The waning sickle of a moon shone in the sky, but it was hard to see because of all the lights they had in this city. I was nearly used to it by now, the way humans lit every place they were in nowadays. So bright, it reminded me of the sun I hadn't seen since I accepted my mission all those years ago.
But no, no time to dwell on those memories, for now I had a chance to recover some of my power. The tall building housing it loomed in front of me, a big lump of metal, stone and glass. I merely walked in, shrouded by my abilities, not worried if anyone actually saw me or if they tried to stop me. This was justified.
Long hallways, covered by luxurious carpets, anonymous doors dotting the smooth walls now and then, endless flights of stairs and elevators here and there. I had arrived to some kind of an office building. No matter, the power would once again be mine.
I walked on, searching for that which was essentially a part of me, I followed the winding hallways, climbed the stairs and finally, finally arrived to a door. The metal plaque announced it to be the office of Pegasus J Crawford, but the name said nothing to me. Neither did it matter.
I opened the smooth door and went in, the cool of my mind for once broken in anticipation of once more holding the Eye.
A silver-haired man sat behind the table, looking up from his papers as I approached him.
"I thought we were closed"
I didn't grace him with an answer. Mortal affairs were not worth taking notice of, and my attention was on his face. There it was, finally. For what reason the man had taken up the use of the Eye, I didn't know, but now it had more pressing matters to serve than anything this mortal might do with it.
"I am sorry, but I need it. It shall be given back to you once the mission is accomplished, but no sooner. Be glad that you didn't steal it, otherwise you'd be dead already."
Giving him no time to think on my words, I gathered the powers of my mind and took a firm hold of the Eye with them. Getting it out of his head was no hard task, but unfortunately he started bleeding badly.
After wavering for a small while, holding the Eye in my free hand, I decided to pity this mortal and gave him a trickle of my life-force, thus healing his wounds.
Leaving the human unconscious, I walked out, not having anything else to do with him.
---Ryou POV---
It was night again. Would he come back? I truly hoped so, but the way he had left last night didn't serve to assure me of his return. But surely he would...
I don't know what had happened between us, but I felt like I couldn't live another day without him. To have such feelings... It was strange. One moment you're living your life as always, the next it is filled with vampires, especially a certain white-haired one. He wasn't gentle, far from it, and what he had done that first night was something I wasn't able to forget, but maybe I could forgive?
I didn't know, and the possibilities surrounding me were confusing. Surely I would wake up any moment now and notice it had all been a dream... Could one feel so intensely in dreams? Probably not, but I felt so distant from the life I used to have.
Walking ahead, I tried to save myself from drowning into these thoughts. I seemed to have a weird urge to walk a lot these days, it somehow calmed me. And it provided me with plenty of time to think on what I was doing... Not that it made much sense even when I thought on it. Or perhaps because of it.
I don't know, but this uncertainty was eating me alive. How could I get used to normal life again, if such an opportunity presented itself? Would I even want to...?
The answer came to me, when I suddenly felt a familiar presence. There was no way I was going back!
Turning the corner, I saw him. Looking as good as the last time, and pissed off at the cops talking with him. What trouble had he gotten himself in? Gathering the courage I never knew I had, I walked up to them, and took a hold of the vampire's arm.
"There you are! I've been searching for you!"
He looked at me, eyes widened a fraction. Surprise? Did I even see a touch of fear? Must be my imagination.
"You shouldn't leave me like that, who knows what kind of people I could walk to this late at night."
"So you know him? In that case would you be kind enough to answer a few questions, as he is somewhat...reluctant to speak to us."
"Well of course, officer!"
I could very well imagine what the two policemen had received for their questions. Fighting a little smile, I tightened my hold on the vampire's arm, and looked questioningly at them.
"There's been a murder, a young girl has been drained of all her blood somehow. Someone fitting his description was seen with her. Do you happen to know his whereabouts about two hours ago?"
I tried to look innocent, confused, and most of all trustworthy, but cold settled in me. Of course, he was a vampire. No big deal, it was his nature to feed on humans. No big deal.
"He's been -"
I didn't continue, for the officer's face was now somehow...blank. The other policeman had the same vacant expression. I licked my lips, uncertain as to what I should do.
"Walk. We shouldn't be here when they wake up."
The strong arm that was suddenly draped around my shoulders pushed me forward. I complied, and tried to throw those two out of my mind. Nothing I could do about it.
And here I was again, held by the vampire, a fly caught in a spider's web.
---Seto POV---
I glanced around. The hallway was blessedly empty. He wasn't here. Walking ahead, relieved, I neglected my other senses, and because of this he managed to catch up on me.
"There you are... Don't try to run away from me! Where did you disappear for the whole frickin day?"
"Watch what you're speaking, little one"
Grimacing, I stopped and waited for Mokuba to catch up on me. There was no helping it now, I had to deal with him again. What a bother.
"So, where you heading? Can I come too?"
"You can't."
"But niisan! I'm bored... And you didn't answer my first question"
"That's because you don't need to know. If you're bored, you can always go to sleep, or find something else to do than pester me with it"
The little boy grinned mischievously.
"Well now, you're more fun than anyone I've met before. Nobody dared to stand up to me"
"Then it's time somebody does. Now go, I'm busy"
"Only if you promise I'll get to be with you tomorrow"
"Whatever. Go"
I resumed walking, and he shouted after me
"I'll hold you on to that!"
I really didn't have time to fool around with him right now. I was going to feed now, and then would be time to pay a little visit to Jounouchi. This night would hopefully turn out to include some fun...
---Yami POV---
One more awakening. But now as I slowly rose from the sleep I fell into during the day, I didn't smell the familiar dustiness of a tomb. Where was I?
The memories crashed in once more, leaving me dizzy. Oh yes, I was in the basement of Yugi's house. It had been too late to go somewhere else when I had finally given the approaching morning some thought, and had been forced to stay, even though in my self-loathing I had wanted to go somewhere else. Maybe even into the sunlight.
No, I couldn't do that, and leave Yugi alone. Not with that feeling of doom hanging over us. And as I thought this, the feeling intensified. Coming closer? No, not at the moment. Just getting stronger. My eyes narrowed as I contemplated on this.
If it would grow much stronger, I was sure I couldn't win whatever was coming. Maybe not even with the aid of other vampires.
"Yami, are you awake?"
I jolted away from my musings, worried about the short boy that looked so much like me.
"You shouldn't be up, you know."
"I just wanted to see if you're awake. The sun is setting, the last rays of light still glow in the horizon."
As I know it would be. As it had been for a very long time now.
I got up, and walked to Yugi. He seemed a little pale, but I sensed nothing that wouldn't go away in a few days if he was careful.
"How are you feeling?"
"Fine."
I could understand his closemouthedness in this matter. I still couldn't believe I had fed on him last night, even if I had been angry. Was my promise so easily broken? But since I didn't remember what had made me decide not to drink from humans, did it really matter? Or was my crime even greater because of it...?
Trying to shrug those questions away, I lifted Yugi to my arms, and started walking up the stairs to get to the better lit areas of his house. More sensing than seeing the disagreeing look on the little one's face, I answered his unspoken protest.
"I told you, I'm not letting you exhaust yourself. I brought this on you, and I will damn well make sure you survive it too."
He resigned to his fate, acting like it was a big bother to him, but I couldn't but notice how he snuggled close to my chest and a tiny smile lit his face.
How come he wasn't afraid of me? Why didn't he hate me? Too many questions, and not enough answers. My life seemed to be that way since I woke from my long sleep, if it could be called a life. Perhaps death would be more appropriate term?
---
AN: Whoa, so the 'hunter' is definitely not Pegasus... Are you curious yet? You should be able to figure out who he is with everything I wrote in this chapter. It's not that hard to guess, you know. I have a feeling that part about Mokuba was completely useless, and way too short besides. Perhaps adding him was a mistake... The POVs in this chapter are all too short, and the action I promised this night to contain was nowhere visible -___- Great. Perhaps better luck next chapter. Please review!