Symbols, symbols everywhere and no one here knows what's going on
"speech"
'thought'
/aibou to yami/
//yami to aibou//
~scene change ~
((Telepathy))
-italics-
Warning: I don't own anything of Yu-Gi-Oh. The Dragons are mine and anything that goes along with them. There is yoai in this story, meaning boy/boy pairing. I'm past the major limes so now it'll be just kissing and minor cuddle scenes.
MEGA WARNING: This story will carry hints and mentions of rape. If you don't like then don't read. Those with over active imaginations might want to stay away even if I don't describe anything.
Also because I only watch the dubbed version
Marik=Yami
Malik=Malik Ishtar
Odion=Rishid
Now that I have your attention.
* * * * * * * *
The night sky was a black velvet blanket that someone had spilled silver glitter on. A bright full moon cast milky white light over the sandy dunes and earth toned houses. A steady warm breeze whipped around buildings and added to the welcome sting to the four figures gliding over the desert.
Four giant silhouettes flew through the air, gliding on air currents with only the occasional beat of leathery wings. One was the color of icy glaciers, another was a black so deep it almost swallowed the shadows of the night. The third was the color of the desert sand and was more skeletal in appearance. The last one was not only half the size of the other, but was more snake like in appearance. With it's off bronze coloring it's wings were almost the same size as its body. And while the other three glided in a straight line this smaller creature darted and twisted amongst its friends.
((Petit will you knock it off and settle down!)) Red growled through the mental link he shared with his friends.
((Why? You three are so serious; someone needs to lighten the mood.)) The crazy one giggled as she darted in-between the black dragon's forelegs and out again before he could bite.
((People on the ground might spot you. Then where would we be?)) Red said snorting as Petit darted past his nose.
((It's one in the morning, who would be out?))
((Will you two stop arguing.)) Blue calmly interjected. ((Petit are you picking up Ishizu's scent?))
Petit stopped in her games and sniffed the air with her nose, then gave the air a curious lick. ((We're close, but more to the west, away from this town.))
As one the four friends veered to where Petit had directed them. Within moments the town was lost to them, lost in the shadows of the night. Ruins of an ancient town loomed out of the darkness, moonlight casting shadows that seemed to dance. The four friends landed softly, sand swirling around their legs as their great wings stirred it from its slumber. A white fire enveloped their great forms and left them a mix of dragon and human. Talons replaced fingertips; legs were warped into more animalistic shapes, wings and tails stayed while patches of scales glinted in the silvery light.
Petit immediately dropped to all fours and started darting around, much like a cat on the scent of a rabbit. At one point she stopped and circled a spot several times, tail lashing fiercely. Then she was off again stopping at a well. Here she jumped onto the rim and half-way crawled into it. Finally she pulled her head out and glanced back at the other spot she found interesting.
"What have you found?" Blue asked her wings half furled.
"There's a trap door over that way. But I can smell rope and oil, so I think that some sort of alarm has been placed there. I can smell Ishizu down this way," Petit gestured to the well "but I have no idea if this is alarmed too."
Blue thought for a moment. "We'll use this for an entrance. Whoever is down there probably wouldn't put an alarm here since most people wouldn't think to climb down a well. We can use the other entrance as an exit if we have to. Petit you and Curse say here and guard both exits. Don't stop anyone unless they have Malik."
"Aw how come I can't go?" Petit pouted.
"Because from what Yugi said this Malik person's going to be nervous to begin with. No sense exposing him to you and completely driving him off the deep end. I can only deal with one of you as it is." Red deadpanned.
Petit stuck her tongue out at him. "Well at least I've got my hubby here. Hope yours are having a blast without you."
Red growled and would have launched himself at the smaller girl if Blue hadn't stopped him. "Pummel her later; we've more important things to do."
With that the two teens started climbing down the well. Sharp and powerful talons easily finding purchases on the rocky surface. Blue held back a grimace as scurrying bodies crawled over her hands. She hated spiders with a passion and was not enjoying this part of the journey. Above her she could hear Red muttering things under his breath. Catching a few choice words she had to chuckled, the boy certainly did have an active imagination. She couldn't believe you could use a cheese grater for that.
A faint flickering light let them know that they were reaching the end of the well. When Blue reached for the next part of the wall and her hand met with empty air she took a breath and released the wall. Landing on all fours she quickly scanned the area. She was in a somewhat large passage. Broken bits of wall littered the area and there was a fine layer of dirt on the floor. The air stirred under her movements, but other than that it hung dead in the air. Nothing moved and the only sound her ears picked up was the shallow breaths of Red.
Finally she stood and walked far enough away to allow her companion a place to land. A soft thump and a sniff was the arrival of Red. The demon like teen stayed crouched for much longer, his tail thrashing with rage and his wings almost completely extended. His eyes were glowing a soft red, something that made Blue shudder.
"Red what's going on?" The leader asked, taking a slightly more defensive stance.
"It's the shadows. They're . . .damn Blue I can't describe it. But there is -no way- I'm going to go jump in them." Red was looking around truly nervous. "Maybe we should have brought Yugi."
"Not a chance. He may be Slither, but I'm not exposing him to what he saw in that vision."
Red snorted. "You're more over protective then Bear."
Blue growled. "You go left. Keep your eyes open and your link cleared. If you spot Malik get him out of here. If you spot the rod make sure you grab it."
"Alarms?"
Blue thought for a moment. "Disable them if you can. But I have a feeling that we're not going to have to worry about normal ones."
"Damn magic." With that Red started down the hallway. Even without jumping into the shadows the boy melded with them so much that he seemed to disappear.
Blue opted to use her talons and claws to help her. Scrambling up the wall she started walking along the ceiling in the opposite direction. She opened all of her sense to the world around her. The air refused to move and the stones themselves had absorbed several millennia's worth of scents. Still she traveled keeping her eyes and ears alert to any unusual noise.
Eventually she came to a split passage. There was a well at the end of the hallway and another door. Blue stopped for a second. Although she wanted to take the doorway she was curious about the well. Then she remembered what Yugi had told her about Malik being down some sort of shaft. As she approached she noticed one of the torches seemed to have been snuffed out, and recently. This was odd itself since there was a torch not even three feet away and there was no way for the torch to go out unless someone had deliberately did so.
Blue dropped from the ceiling to perch on the edge of the well. She stuck her head inside and took a sniff. She almost fell off in shock at the reek coming from the darkness of the hole. The scent of blood, sweat, and other bodily fluids was over powering. Blue jumped back and sneezed quietly. She shook her head and grimly went back to the well.
((I think I've found where they're keeping Malik.))
She felt all of the Dragons pause. ((Do you need help?))
((No, I think I can handle this. Has anyone come your way?))
((No all is quiet where we are.)) Blue could feel Curse glancing at his wife. ((Well as quiet as they can be.))
Blue rolled her eyes as she felt Red jerk. ((Some guy with a face more tattooed than yours has just past me. Something's not right.))
((What's up?))
((Not sure, but I'm gonna follow.)) Red left his niche and started stalking his prey.
((Careful rookery brother.)) Blue said.
((Always. Get the kid so we can get the hell out of here.))
Blue pulled herself from the link and started down the well shaft. The scents got stronger and Blue had to resist the urge to sneeze, or vomit. Both now would be pretty obnoxious. She strained her ears, but the only thing she could hear was the soft crunch of the stones as her talons broke through their tough hides. Finally she came to the end of the shaft and she dropped down. The place was pitch black and with its sickening smell Blue felt like she was being pressed on from all sides. Gathering her rage and anger she allowed it to creep into her eyes, a soft blue light illuminating a small area around her. A soft gasp grabbed her attention and she peered into the gloom.
~ ~ ~ (POV Shift from Blue to Malik)~ ~ ~ ~
His body was in agony, every surface alight with fiery pain. His tormentor had left just minutes before. Or was it hours. In the darkness of his prison he couldn't tell. Silent tears streamed down his bloodied and dirt caked face. He hugged his knees closer trying to keep himself from making any sounds. He couldn't tell if his captor was waiting at the top of the well. The last time he had cried out loud the monster had come back and hurt him even more.
He was cold, hungry and in oh so much pain. 'Do I really deserve this?' He kept asking himself. 'I know I did wrong. I'm sorry I did it. But do I really deserve this hell?'
There was no hope for him. No one knew where he was. Those that did were prisoners themselves and could do nothing to help him, much less themselves. Those who did know about him would not know about his predicament. Nor would they ever come to his aid. Not after what he did to them and their loved ones. No he was alone in the world and right now he only wanted one thing.
To die.
He shifted slightly wincing at the sound of the chain that bound him move. He sought sleep, even if it couldn't release him from his torment it could still help ease the pain a little. Then in the stillness of his prison he heard something. A soft crunching sound. Watery lavender eyes snapped open and sandy colored hair shifted slightly as he jerked his head at the sound of the noise. It wasn't rats, he knew that sound all to well. The sound came again and amazingly a sniffle as if someone was trying to clear their nose.
There was no light coming from the roof of the prison so -he- wasn't coming back. But maybe this was something new. A new torture to drive him out of his mind. Malik curled even tighter into himself. Again the crunching sound and now it was closer. It was coming from above him. Maybe the roof was caving in?
Just when the stress of curiosity might kill him Malik heard a soft thump of something landing on the floor. For a moment there was a faint shuffling and the sound of something clicking on the stones. Then a soft blue light lit the room. Malik gasped and the light turned toward him. Malik gasped again as two glowing blue eyes stared at him from the darkness.
~ ~ ~ (POV Normal following Red)~ ~ ~
Red was pissed, antsy, angry and a variety of other adjectives as he followed the almost bald idiot. Right now he wanted to be home, curled up with Ryou and Bakura, not following some guy in an underground alleyway where the shadows were screaming for blood.
That was what had Red so nervous. The shadows weren't acting like they should. Oh sure they got angry and would scream for violence, especially if Yugi was hurt. But these shadows were different. They didn't just want him to do something violent, -they- wanted to rip -him- up. That was why he wouldn't duck into them. They had turned into a sinister presence that was clawing at him constantly. And whatever made shadows act like that had Red nervous.
'And of course Blue wouldn't bring the one person who could probably figure out what is going on.' Red watched as the man walked down a hallway. The place was filled with twisting little corridors and it was starting to irk Red. 'Course I can't blame her. This is probably disturbingly close to what she went through herself.'
Red shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts. He was the only one to know about his leader's history. It was enough to give him the shudders and he had seen a lot for a twenty-two year old. Fiercely he focused his mind on the task at hand. Queue-ball head had finally come to a stop. Out of the darkness a woman appeared. She had a deep tan, her straight black hair going past her shoulders with a lock on each side of her face trapped in gold. But that wasn't what had Red worried. It was her glowing red eyes.
Given his eyes glowed red, it was part of his dragon nature. No this woman's eyes glowed a red that radiated evil. The woman opened a heavy metal door and gestured for the man to enter, it was then that Red noticed that she had the rod. The man entered without question, the woman shutting and locking him in. Then the rod flashed gold. There was a brief silence and then someone was pounding on the door.
"Ishizu, please open up!" A deep distressed voice called from the other side. "Please fight the evilness. Master Malik is in trouble. Please!"
The woman laughed evilly, but it echoed on itself with that of more masculine tone. "Ishizu is trapped and cannot help you Odion. How many times must we go through this? All of you are trapped and that brat Malik will continue to suffer until I kill him. Or should I say you kill him?!"
"NO!" Odion wailed on the other side of the door.
Red watched as the possessed Ishizu placed the rod in a bracket by the door. 'Well that's the dumbest move I've ever seen. Course this . . .uh guy might not be expecting anyone to help them.' Red watched from his hiding place as Ishizu/evil thingy left. The Dragon member was about to move from his spot when there was a flash of gold. Suddenly teen with harsh lavender eyes was standing in front of the door. His sandy hair was done in wild spikes and golden tan skin seemed to gleam in the flickering torch light. He was also transparent. Red watched as the spirit of the Millennium Rod tried to remove the latch from the door. When his hand passed right through it the spirit growled, eyes made slits in concentration. He tried again with the same results.
"Marik you must try harder." Odion said through the door as he resumed his pounding.
"I am you idiot. That baka's spell is still in effect." Marik snapped at the door.
"Much as this is an amusing sight I can think of better ways of spending my time." Red commented.
Marik whirled at the voice. "Bakura?"
Red chuckled as he emerged from the shadows. "No, but my mate would be flattered by the comparison."
Marik's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
"Name's Red and right now I want nothing more than to get the hell out of here. So you better tuck yourself back in that trinket."
Marik suspiciously eyed the very strange creature in front of him. "What are you?"
Red growled and grabbed the rod waving it under Marik's nose. "This is not the time for twenty questions. Blue will explain everything once we all get the hell out of here."
Marik would have said more but Red walked right through him. The halfling then threw back the latch of the door and opened it up. Odion, about to pound the door again jumped back in amazement. When he got a look at Red in the flickering torch light he shrunk back in fear.
"What in Ra's name are you?"
Red growled and his eyes flared. "Something that you don't want to piss off. Now let's get the hell out of here."
Odion glanced at Marik who just shrugged; there was nothing the spirit could do. Odion turned back to Red and noticed that the boy's eyes had gone unfocused for the moment. Suddenly those eyes snapped back to reality. He lunged forward and grabbed Odion's wrist and dragged the older man out of the room. Together they set off at a trot.
"Blue's got Malik and is heading out. So it's time to stop standing around. -I- want to get home."
"Master Malik is safe?" Odion gasped as he tried to keep up with the creature dragging him along. The servant of the Ishtar's started to jog now, hope slowly growing in his chest.
Red's tail lashed once. "Safe is a relative term. We still have to get out of here." Red's voice suddenly dropped and he almost sounded fearful. "The shadow's have just warned the woman that we're here."
Odion gulped and started running. Suddenly he felt something wrap around his waist. He was about to panic when he noticed it was a coal black tail. The appendage then lifted him off his feet and suddenly he was moving at an even faster rate. Suddenly they rounded a corner and ran into another creature, this one carrying a very battered Malik.
~ ~ (POV Normal, back with Malik. Confused yet?) ~ ~
Malik could only watch the glowing eyes with horror. The light wasn't strong enough to show much of the creature that belonged to those eyes, but he got the impression of metallic scales and a harsh face. The light went out briefly and Malik realized that the creature blinked. The glowing eyes slowly lowered closer to the ground and Malik wondered what was going to happen next.
"At one point during Battle City you called yourself Namu, to trick everyone into thinking that Odion was you. Everyone was fooled, even Yami. Something that still irks him." A light disembodied female voice said.
"How . . .how did you know that?"
"Yugi told me. He sent my gang and me here to help you. I'm going to come closer, please don't be afraid."
Malik just nodded completely stunned. Yugi had sent someone here to help him? But didn't Yugi and all of his friends hate him? And who was this person, he couldn't see anything but her glowing eyes, which were coming closer. As the soft light came closer Malik could make out some more details. An angular face with the tattoo of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and the shadow of wings. He could see the glitter of scales that collected on the girl's right jaw line.
The girl stopped just in front of him. Malik watched with some misgivings as she reached over her shoulder and wrestled with something. A couple of seconds later she was holding a blanket out to him. When he didn't move she gently draped it around his huddled form. The softness against his sore skin snapped him out of his daze.
"I need to see the ankle that chain is attached to." The girl said quietly.
Malik carefully extended that leg, trying to keep himself covered. The girl creature hissed at the bruises and cuts running up and down his thigh. She studied the lock on the cuff and quickly pulled out some twisted bits of metal. With a faint click the lock opened and she removed the piece of metal from Malik's ankle.
"You've got to try and stand. Hold out your hand so I can help."
Malik extended his hand and felt rough pads and talons enclose it. He tried to get up, but his legs just didn't want to work and he hurt so much. Tears silently leaked out and he felt the girl help him. He was up, but he knew he couldn't support himself. Suddenly he felt something wrap around his waist. He panicked and tried to jerk back only to realize that he was being held in place.
"Shh. Easy, it's just my tail. I'm going to have to carry you like this of a bit. It's hard to climb with your hands full."
Malik felt his feet leave the ground and he was moved through the darkness. He felt himself guided towards a bulk and felt something lumpy in front of him. He hesitantly extended his hand and came into contact with a canvas bookbag. Suddenly he was moving again, this time he realized that the girl creature was moving too.
The soft glow of the girl creature's eyes wasn't enough to light the area for him, but apparently it was enough for her. Malik could feel the girl tense and with a jerk she jumped up. For a moment Malik felt suspended in the air. Then the soft crunch of stone broke the silence. The sound continued as they moved upward. It was then the reality of the situation hit the battered young man.
"You're here to save me?"
"Yes, is that so hard to believe?"
"I didn't think anyone would care enough. Not after what I did."
"I won't lie to you; some of our friends were reluctant to help. But no one deserves what was happening to you."
"But, I've never met you. Why would you help me?"
"Yugi asked."
"That's it?"
"Yup."
Malik contemplated that in silence. This girl creature was so loyal to Yugi that she would rescue a person she didn't even know. "What's your name?"
"It's Blue." Suddenly she stopped.
"Blue what's wrong?"
The upward motion continued and suddenly Malik could see the flickering of torch light. "Red, my gang mate, just found the rod and Odion. He's on his way out."
Malik tensed at the sound of his servant/brother's name. 'But it wasn't his fault.' He argued with himself '-He- made Odion do all of that to me. -He- used the rod to make Odion into a mind slave.' Still Malik shuddered; he didn't know if he could face Odion right away.
Suddenly they were out of the well. Malik finally got a decent look at his rescuer. Her hair was raven black, the left side reaching down to her chin and the right cut an inch away from her scalp. A tattoo of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon held her left eye. Her eyes had lost their glow and he could see that they were an ice blue. She was wearing a black leather vest, leather pants and a dark blue tank top that exposed her naval. Gently she gathered him up in her arms, her tail releasing him from its hold.
"Let's get out of here."
With that she set off at a dead run. Malik could hardly follow her movements as the walls rushed by them and the dead air streamed past his face. The only sounds of their passage was the quick clicking of the girl creature's claws on the stone floor. Then they turned a corner and almost ran into a creature that was like the girl only he had black scaled and red on black eyes. Wrapped in his tail was a very nervous Odion. In the creature's hand was the Millennium Rod.
The he creature opened his mouth to speak when an unearthly scream ripped through the darkness. The demon eyed creature paled and jumped for the opening in the ceiling. Malik watched as Odion and the creature quickly disappeared from view.
"Red what the hell was that?" Blue said as she shifted Malik to her tail's embrace and quickly joined him in scaling up the well.
"Shadows. They've become twisted and alive. Whatever is controlling them just awakened them. We've got to get the hell out of here and now."
"Shit!" Blue doubled her climbing speed, quickly catching up to her friend.
They emerged into the warm night as if they were shot out of a cannon. Malik felt himself in Blue's arms again and then they were running. He wondered how they were going to get out of here when he noticed the two dragons waiting for them. The Curse of Dragon was hovering low to the ground. Blue took one leap and was astride the creature's neck. Red just jumped and suddenly the Petit Dragon was under him. Both were off like a shot, clearing the ground just as the shadows reached for them.
Blue let out a breath she didn't realize that she was holding. Leaning over slightly she glanced down at the ground. The shadows were trying to reach for them, but like a dog missing a treat they were just out of range. Slowly they sunk back to their places. Blue caught the sight of a raven haired woman with evil red eyes glaring up at them.
Blue huffed and settled back down. She glanced at Malik and gave him a weary smile. "We've got about a day's journey to get back to Domino. Why don't you try and get some sleep?"
"Domino?"
"I told you that Yugi sent us. You'll be staying at our place. Rest now, we'll be home before you know it."
Malik finally rested his head against the girl's chest. A soft rhythmic rumbling started up and Malik realized that she was purring. Slowly the sound, rhythm penetrated his stunned brain. The warm wind whipping by him and the sense of protection all around him finally lulled the battered young man into a deep slumber.
Stars winked from their places on the velvet sky. The moon gazed down with its silvery light as two winged figures glided over the surface of the earth. The wind rode with them, determined to help the weary young men and women on their way home.
* * * * * *
Treska: *Bounces in* Okay another chapter done. And like I said I can only do one chapter for each story a week.
Yugi: *Walks in* You do know that there is plenty of time to do another chapter.
Treska: *Rubs head.* I know, but lately my eyes are having problems and I think its because I'm spending six to eight hours typing these chapters.
Yugi: Oh. Well then don't write more. I'm sure our readers can wait. *Turns to readers and gives huge puppy dog eyes.* Pretty please review and be patient.
Treska: Oh the power of Yugi's puppy eyes. *Wanders out*
Petit and Red:*Run in with toys from Chaos and Destruction* Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! *Runs out*
Blue: *Walking in with burn ointment from Chaos and Destruction* *#$^#*&@#*@^#@ reviewer. *Spots Treska running at her with sword. Sweatdrops and runs.*
Treska: *Waving sword.* Don't you dare curse out our reviewers. *Chases Blue off stage.* And stay in the story damn it!
Yami: *Wandering in.* Well that was completely pointless. Oh well. *Wanders out again*
"speech"
'thought'
/aibou to yami/
//yami to aibou//
~scene change ~
((Telepathy))
-italics-
Warning: I don't own anything of Yu-Gi-Oh. The Dragons are mine and anything that goes along with them. There is yoai in this story, meaning boy/boy pairing. I'm past the major limes so now it'll be just kissing and minor cuddle scenes.
MEGA WARNING: This story will carry hints and mentions of rape. If you don't like then don't read. Those with over active imaginations might want to stay away even if I don't describe anything.
Also because I only watch the dubbed version
Marik=Yami
Malik=Malik Ishtar
Odion=Rishid
Now that I have your attention.
* * * * * * * *
The night sky was a black velvet blanket that someone had spilled silver glitter on. A bright full moon cast milky white light over the sandy dunes and earth toned houses. A steady warm breeze whipped around buildings and added to the welcome sting to the four figures gliding over the desert.
Four giant silhouettes flew through the air, gliding on air currents with only the occasional beat of leathery wings. One was the color of icy glaciers, another was a black so deep it almost swallowed the shadows of the night. The third was the color of the desert sand and was more skeletal in appearance. The last one was not only half the size of the other, but was more snake like in appearance. With it's off bronze coloring it's wings were almost the same size as its body. And while the other three glided in a straight line this smaller creature darted and twisted amongst its friends.
((Petit will you knock it off and settle down!)) Red growled through the mental link he shared with his friends.
((Why? You three are so serious; someone needs to lighten the mood.)) The crazy one giggled as she darted in-between the black dragon's forelegs and out again before he could bite.
((People on the ground might spot you. Then where would we be?)) Red said snorting as Petit darted past his nose.
((It's one in the morning, who would be out?))
((Will you two stop arguing.)) Blue calmly interjected. ((Petit are you picking up Ishizu's scent?))
Petit stopped in her games and sniffed the air with her nose, then gave the air a curious lick. ((We're close, but more to the west, away from this town.))
As one the four friends veered to where Petit had directed them. Within moments the town was lost to them, lost in the shadows of the night. Ruins of an ancient town loomed out of the darkness, moonlight casting shadows that seemed to dance. The four friends landed softly, sand swirling around their legs as their great wings stirred it from its slumber. A white fire enveloped their great forms and left them a mix of dragon and human. Talons replaced fingertips; legs were warped into more animalistic shapes, wings and tails stayed while patches of scales glinted in the silvery light.
Petit immediately dropped to all fours and started darting around, much like a cat on the scent of a rabbit. At one point she stopped and circled a spot several times, tail lashing fiercely. Then she was off again stopping at a well. Here she jumped onto the rim and half-way crawled into it. Finally she pulled her head out and glanced back at the other spot she found interesting.
"What have you found?" Blue asked her wings half furled.
"There's a trap door over that way. But I can smell rope and oil, so I think that some sort of alarm has been placed there. I can smell Ishizu down this way," Petit gestured to the well "but I have no idea if this is alarmed too."
Blue thought for a moment. "We'll use this for an entrance. Whoever is down there probably wouldn't put an alarm here since most people wouldn't think to climb down a well. We can use the other entrance as an exit if we have to. Petit you and Curse say here and guard both exits. Don't stop anyone unless they have Malik."
"Aw how come I can't go?" Petit pouted.
"Because from what Yugi said this Malik person's going to be nervous to begin with. No sense exposing him to you and completely driving him off the deep end. I can only deal with one of you as it is." Red deadpanned.
Petit stuck her tongue out at him. "Well at least I've got my hubby here. Hope yours are having a blast without you."
Red growled and would have launched himself at the smaller girl if Blue hadn't stopped him. "Pummel her later; we've more important things to do."
With that the two teens started climbing down the well. Sharp and powerful talons easily finding purchases on the rocky surface. Blue held back a grimace as scurrying bodies crawled over her hands. She hated spiders with a passion and was not enjoying this part of the journey. Above her she could hear Red muttering things under his breath. Catching a few choice words she had to chuckled, the boy certainly did have an active imagination. She couldn't believe you could use a cheese grater for that.
A faint flickering light let them know that they were reaching the end of the well. When Blue reached for the next part of the wall and her hand met with empty air she took a breath and released the wall. Landing on all fours she quickly scanned the area. She was in a somewhat large passage. Broken bits of wall littered the area and there was a fine layer of dirt on the floor. The air stirred under her movements, but other than that it hung dead in the air. Nothing moved and the only sound her ears picked up was the shallow breaths of Red.
Finally she stood and walked far enough away to allow her companion a place to land. A soft thump and a sniff was the arrival of Red. The demon like teen stayed crouched for much longer, his tail thrashing with rage and his wings almost completely extended. His eyes were glowing a soft red, something that made Blue shudder.
"Red what's going on?" The leader asked, taking a slightly more defensive stance.
"It's the shadows. They're . . .damn Blue I can't describe it. But there is -no way- I'm going to go jump in them." Red was looking around truly nervous. "Maybe we should have brought Yugi."
"Not a chance. He may be Slither, but I'm not exposing him to what he saw in that vision."
Red snorted. "You're more over protective then Bear."
Blue growled. "You go left. Keep your eyes open and your link cleared. If you spot Malik get him out of here. If you spot the rod make sure you grab it."
"Alarms?"
Blue thought for a moment. "Disable them if you can. But I have a feeling that we're not going to have to worry about normal ones."
"Damn magic." With that Red started down the hallway. Even without jumping into the shadows the boy melded with them so much that he seemed to disappear.
Blue opted to use her talons and claws to help her. Scrambling up the wall she started walking along the ceiling in the opposite direction. She opened all of her sense to the world around her. The air refused to move and the stones themselves had absorbed several millennia's worth of scents. Still she traveled keeping her eyes and ears alert to any unusual noise.
Eventually she came to a split passage. There was a well at the end of the hallway and another door. Blue stopped for a second. Although she wanted to take the doorway she was curious about the well. Then she remembered what Yugi had told her about Malik being down some sort of shaft. As she approached she noticed one of the torches seemed to have been snuffed out, and recently. This was odd itself since there was a torch not even three feet away and there was no way for the torch to go out unless someone had deliberately did so.
Blue dropped from the ceiling to perch on the edge of the well. She stuck her head inside and took a sniff. She almost fell off in shock at the reek coming from the darkness of the hole. The scent of blood, sweat, and other bodily fluids was over powering. Blue jumped back and sneezed quietly. She shook her head and grimly went back to the well.
((I think I've found where they're keeping Malik.))
She felt all of the Dragons pause. ((Do you need help?))
((No, I think I can handle this. Has anyone come your way?))
((No all is quiet where we are.)) Blue could feel Curse glancing at his wife. ((Well as quiet as they can be.))
Blue rolled her eyes as she felt Red jerk. ((Some guy with a face more tattooed than yours has just past me. Something's not right.))
((What's up?))
((Not sure, but I'm gonna follow.)) Red left his niche and started stalking his prey.
((Careful rookery brother.)) Blue said.
((Always. Get the kid so we can get the hell out of here.))
Blue pulled herself from the link and started down the well shaft. The scents got stronger and Blue had to resist the urge to sneeze, or vomit. Both now would be pretty obnoxious. She strained her ears, but the only thing she could hear was the soft crunch of the stones as her talons broke through their tough hides. Finally she came to the end of the shaft and she dropped down. The place was pitch black and with its sickening smell Blue felt like she was being pressed on from all sides. Gathering her rage and anger she allowed it to creep into her eyes, a soft blue light illuminating a small area around her. A soft gasp grabbed her attention and she peered into the gloom.
~ ~ ~ (POV Shift from Blue to Malik)~ ~ ~ ~
His body was in agony, every surface alight with fiery pain. His tormentor had left just minutes before. Or was it hours. In the darkness of his prison he couldn't tell. Silent tears streamed down his bloodied and dirt caked face. He hugged his knees closer trying to keep himself from making any sounds. He couldn't tell if his captor was waiting at the top of the well. The last time he had cried out loud the monster had come back and hurt him even more.
He was cold, hungry and in oh so much pain. 'Do I really deserve this?' He kept asking himself. 'I know I did wrong. I'm sorry I did it. But do I really deserve this hell?'
There was no hope for him. No one knew where he was. Those that did were prisoners themselves and could do nothing to help him, much less themselves. Those who did know about him would not know about his predicament. Nor would they ever come to his aid. Not after what he did to them and their loved ones. No he was alone in the world and right now he only wanted one thing.
To die.
He shifted slightly wincing at the sound of the chain that bound him move. He sought sleep, even if it couldn't release him from his torment it could still help ease the pain a little. Then in the stillness of his prison he heard something. A soft crunching sound. Watery lavender eyes snapped open and sandy colored hair shifted slightly as he jerked his head at the sound of the noise. It wasn't rats, he knew that sound all to well. The sound came again and amazingly a sniffle as if someone was trying to clear their nose.
There was no light coming from the roof of the prison so -he- wasn't coming back. But maybe this was something new. A new torture to drive him out of his mind. Malik curled even tighter into himself. Again the crunching sound and now it was closer. It was coming from above him. Maybe the roof was caving in?
Just when the stress of curiosity might kill him Malik heard a soft thump of something landing on the floor. For a moment there was a faint shuffling and the sound of something clicking on the stones. Then a soft blue light lit the room. Malik gasped and the light turned toward him. Malik gasped again as two glowing blue eyes stared at him from the darkness.
~ ~ ~ (POV Normal following Red)~ ~ ~
Red was pissed, antsy, angry and a variety of other adjectives as he followed the almost bald idiot. Right now he wanted to be home, curled up with Ryou and Bakura, not following some guy in an underground alleyway where the shadows were screaming for blood.
That was what had Red so nervous. The shadows weren't acting like they should. Oh sure they got angry and would scream for violence, especially if Yugi was hurt. But these shadows were different. They didn't just want him to do something violent, -they- wanted to rip -him- up. That was why he wouldn't duck into them. They had turned into a sinister presence that was clawing at him constantly. And whatever made shadows act like that had Red nervous.
'And of course Blue wouldn't bring the one person who could probably figure out what is going on.' Red watched as the man walked down a hallway. The place was filled with twisting little corridors and it was starting to irk Red. 'Course I can't blame her. This is probably disturbingly close to what she went through herself.'
Red shook his head to rid himself of those thoughts. He was the only one to know about his leader's history. It was enough to give him the shudders and he had seen a lot for a twenty-two year old. Fiercely he focused his mind on the task at hand. Queue-ball head had finally come to a stop. Out of the darkness a woman appeared. She had a deep tan, her straight black hair going past her shoulders with a lock on each side of her face trapped in gold. But that wasn't what had Red worried. It was her glowing red eyes.
Given his eyes glowed red, it was part of his dragon nature. No this woman's eyes glowed a red that radiated evil. The woman opened a heavy metal door and gestured for the man to enter, it was then that Red noticed that she had the rod. The man entered without question, the woman shutting and locking him in. Then the rod flashed gold. There was a brief silence and then someone was pounding on the door.
"Ishizu, please open up!" A deep distressed voice called from the other side. "Please fight the evilness. Master Malik is in trouble. Please!"
The woman laughed evilly, but it echoed on itself with that of more masculine tone. "Ishizu is trapped and cannot help you Odion. How many times must we go through this? All of you are trapped and that brat Malik will continue to suffer until I kill him. Or should I say you kill him?!"
"NO!" Odion wailed on the other side of the door.
Red watched as the possessed Ishizu placed the rod in a bracket by the door. 'Well that's the dumbest move I've ever seen. Course this . . .uh guy might not be expecting anyone to help them.' Red watched from his hiding place as Ishizu/evil thingy left. The Dragon member was about to move from his spot when there was a flash of gold. Suddenly teen with harsh lavender eyes was standing in front of the door. His sandy hair was done in wild spikes and golden tan skin seemed to gleam in the flickering torch light. He was also transparent. Red watched as the spirit of the Millennium Rod tried to remove the latch from the door. When his hand passed right through it the spirit growled, eyes made slits in concentration. He tried again with the same results.
"Marik you must try harder." Odion said through the door as he resumed his pounding.
"I am you idiot. That baka's spell is still in effect." Marik snapped at the door.
"Much as this is an amusing sight I can think of better ways of spending my time." Red commented.
Marik whirled at the voice. "Bakura?"
Red chuckled as he emerged from the shadows. "No, but my mate would be flattered by the comparison."
Marik's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
"Name's Red and right now I want nothing more than to get the hell out of here. So you better tuck yourself back in that trinket."
Marik suspiciously eyed the very strange creature in front of him. "What are you?"
Red growled and grabbed the rod waving it under Marik's nose. "This is not the time for twenty questions. Blue will explain everything once we all get the hell out of here."
Marik would have said more but Red walked right through him. The halfling then threw back the latch of the door and opened it up. Odion, about to pound the door again jumped back in amazement. When he got a look at Red in the flickering torch light he shrunk back in fear.
"What in Ra's name are you?"
Red growled and his eyes flared. "Something that you don't want to piss off. Now let's get the hell out of here."
Odion glanced at Marik who just shrugged; there was nothing the spirit could do. Odion turned back to Red and noticed that the boy's eyes had gone unfocused for the moment. Suddenly those eyes snapped back to reality. He lunged forward and grabbed Odion's wrist and dragged the older man out of the room. Together they set off at a trot.
"Blue's got Malik and is heading out. So it's time to stop standing around. -I- want to get home."
"Master Malik is safe?" Odion gasped as he tried to keep up with the creature dragging him along. The servant of the Ishtar's started to jog now, hope slowly growing in his chest.
Red's tail lashed once. "Safe is a relative term. We still have to get out of here." Red's voice suddenly dropped and he almost sounded fearful. "The shadow's have just warned the woman that we're here."
Odion gulped and started running. Suddenly he felt something wrap around his waist. He was about to panic when he noticed it was a coal black tail. The appendage then lifted him off his feet and suddenly he was moving at an even faster rate. Suddenly they rounded a corner and ran into another creature, this one carrying a very battered Malik.
~ ~ (POV Normal, back with Malik. Confused yet?) ~ ~
Malik could only watch the glowing eyes with horror. The light wasn't strong enough to show much of the creature that belonged to those eyes, but he got the impression of metallic scales and a harsh face. The light went out briefly and Malik realized that the creature blinked. The glowing eyes slowly lowered closer to the ground and Malik wondered what was going to happen next.
"At one point during Battle City you called yourself Namu, to trick everyone into thinking that Odion was you. Everyone was fooled, even Yami. Something that still irks him." A light disembodied female voice said.
"How . . .how did you know that?"
"Yugi told me. He sent my gang and me here to help you. I'm going to come closer, please don't be afraid."
Malik just nodded completely stunned. Yugi had sent someone here to help him? But didn't Yugi and all of his friends hate him? And who was this person, he couldn't see anything but her glowing eyes, which were coming closer. As the soft light came closer Malik could make out some more details. An angular face with the tattoo of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon, and the shadow of wings. He could see the glitter of scales that collected on the girl's right jaw line.
The girl stopped just in front of him. Malik watched with some misgivings as she reached over her shoulder and wrestled with something. A couple of seconds later she was holding a blanket out to him. When he didn't move she gently draped it around his huddled form. The softness against his sore skin snapped him out of his daze.
"I need to see the ankle that chain is attached to." The girl said quietly.
Malik carefully extended that leg, trying to keep himself covered. The girl creature hissed at the bruises and cuts running up and down his thigh. She studied the lock on the cuff and quickly pulled out some twisted bits of metal. With a faint click the lock opened and she removed the piece of metal from Malik's ankle.
"You've got to try and stand. Hold out your hand so I can help."
Malik extended his hand and felt rough pads and talons enclose it. He tried to get up, but his legs just didn't want to work and he hurt so much. Tears silently leaked out and he felt the girl help him. He was up, but he knew he couldn't support himself. Suddenly he felt something wrap around his waist. He panicked and tried to jerk back only to realize that he was being held in place.
"Shh. Easy, it's just my tail. I'm going to have to carry you like this of a bit. It's hard to climb with your hands full."
Malik felt his feet leave the ground and he was moved through the darkness. He felt himself guided towards a bulk and felt something lumpy in front of him. He hesitantly extended his hand and came into contact with a canvas bookbag. Suddenly he was moving again, this time he realized that the girl creature was moving too.
The soft glow of the girl creature's eyes wasn't enough to light the area for him, but apparently it was enough for her. Malik could feel the girl tense and with a jerk she jumped up. For a moment Malik felt suspended in the air. Then the soft crunch of stone broke the silence. The sound continued as they moved upward. It was then the reality of the situation hit the battered young man.
"You're here to save me?"
"Yes, is that so hard to believe?"
"I didn't think anyone would care enough. Not after what I did."
"I won't lie to you; some of our friends were reluctant to help. But no one deserves what was happening to you."
"But, I've never met you. Why would you help me?"
"Yugi asked."
"That's it?"
"Yup."
Malik contemplated that in silence. This girl creature was so loyal to Yugi that she would rescue a person she didn't even know. "What's your name?"
"It's Blue." Suddenly she stopped.
"Blue what's wrong?"
The upward motion continued and suddenly Malik could see the flickering of torch light. "Red, my gang mate, just found the rod and Odion. He's on his way out."
Malik tensed at the sound of his servant/brother's name. 'But it wasn't his fault.' He argued with himself '-He- made Odion do all of that to me. -He- used the rod to make Odion into a mind slave.' Still Malik shuddered; he didn't know if he could face Odion right away.
Suddenly they were out of the well. Malik finally got a decent look at his rescuer. Her hair was raven black, the left side reaching down to her chin and the right cut an inch away from her scalp. A tattoo of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon held her left eye. Her eyes had lost their glow and he could see that they were an ice blue. She was wearing a black leather vest, leather pants and a dark blue tank top that exposed her naval. Gently she gathered him up in her arms, her tail releasing him from its hold.
"Let's get out of here."
With that she set off at a dead run. Malik could hardly follow her movements as the walls rushed by them and the dead air streamed past his face. The only sounds of their passage was the quick clicking of the girl creature's claws on the stone floor. Then they turned a corner and almost ran into a creature that was like the girl only he had black scaled and red on black eyes. Wrapped in his tail was a very nervous Odion. In the creature's hand was the Millennium Rod.
The he creature opened his mouth to speak when an unearthly scream ripped through the darkness. The demon eyed creature paled and jumped for the opening in the ceiling. Malik watched as Odion and the creature quickly disappeared from view.
"Red what the hell was that?" Blue said as she shifted Malik to her tail's embrace and quickly joined him in scaling up the well.
"Shadows. They've become twisted and alive. Whatever is controlling them just awakened them. We've got to get the hell out of here and now."
"Shit!" Blue doubled her climbing speed, quickly catching up to her friend.
They emerged into the warm night as if they were shot out of a cannon. Malik felt himself in Blue's arms again and then they were running. He wondered how they were going to get out of here when he noticed the two dragons waiting for them. The Curse of Dragon was hovering low to the ground. Blue took one leap and was astride the creature's neck. Red just jumped and suddenly the Petit Dragon was under him. Both were off like a shot, clearing the ground just as the shadows reached for them.
Blue let out a breath she didn't realize that she was holding. Leaning over slightly she glanced down at the ground. The shadows were trying to reach for them, but like a dog missing a treat they were just out of range. Slowly they sunk back to their places. Blue caught the sight of a raven haired woman with evil red eyes glaring up at them.
Blue huffed and settled back down. She glanced at Malik and gave him a weary smile. "We've got about a day's journey to get back to Domino. Why don't you try and get some sleep?"
"Domino?"
"I told you that Yugi sent us. You'll be staying at our place. Rest now, we'll be home before you know it."
Malik finally rested his head against the girl's chest. A soft rhythmic rumbling started up and Malik realized that she was purring. Slowly the sound, rhythm penetrated his stunned brain. The warm wind whipping by him and the sense of protection all around him finally lulled the battered young man into a deep slumber.
Stars winked from their places on the velvet sky. The moon gazed down with its silvery light as two winged figures glided over the surface of the earth. The wind rode with them, determined to help the weary young men and women on their way home.
* * * * * *
Treska: *Bounces in* Okay another chapter done. And like I said I can only do one chapter for each story a week.
Yugi: *Walks in* You do know that there is plenty of time to do another chapter.
Treska: *Rubs head.* I know, but lately my eyes are having problems and I think its because I'm spending six to eight hours typing these chapters.
Yugi: Oh. Well then don't write more. I'm sure our readers can wait. *Turns to readers and gives huge puppy dog eyes.* Pretty please review and be patient.
Treska: Oh the power of Yugi's puppy eyes. *Wanders out*
Petit and Red:*Run in with toys from Chaos and Destruction* Fire! Fire! Fire! Fire! *Runs out*
Blue: *Walking in with burn ointment from Chaos and Destruction* *#$^#*&@#*@^#@ reviewer. *Spots Treska running at her with sword. Sweatdrops and runs.*
Treska: *Waving sword.* Don't you dare curse out our reviewers. *Chases Blue off stage.* And stay in the story damn it!
Yami: *Wandering in.* Well that was completely pointless. Oh well. *Wanders out again*