No Yugi-oh owning…  But a rather cute squirrel story is located at the end.  ^-^

Chapter Three: Consumed By The Darkness

The night wind was chill and the sky was almost as dark as the night itself.  That was not the problem you see it was day.  Ryou hugged his jacket closer around himself.  It was SO cold!  He sat in a dark cave; subtle drips could be heard echoing in the distance.  Much had been destroyed; much had been lost.  And the very air seemed… cold.  Not just temperature cold but, how would you explain this… shiver down your back cold, prickle at the back of your neck cold.  Just… cold.

The atmosphere was helping none either.  The cave was that of darkness.  Ryou had made camp far enough away as to not get wet if it rained, but to still be near what little light there was by day.  It smelled a little funny too.  He had started a fire a couple hours ago and now contented himself with rocking back and forth and staring at the brilliance of the flames.  The cave was sort of his home now, until he found somewhere else dry to stay that is.  All civilization had been destroyed.  There was nothing left but wreckage.  Only… death. 

Ryou shivered again.  He had been alone ever since, since the day the darkness came.  It seemed like eternity ago but he knew it wasn't.  He had come in no human contact and was starting to worry.  What if he was the only one to make it?  What if he was the sole survivor?  What if… he was… alone?  The thought was better spent not thought upon for the realism of it all still was so new to him.  The fire sparked and Ryou shifted slightly.  How much longer would he be alone, how much longer would he survive alone.  It all seemed so hopeless.  Life seemed cruel, but then again, at least he was still living. 

The fire crackled and shone like only a true fire could.  Ryou suddenly wished, really wished he had marshmallows, he was soo hungry.  The flames seemed to dance and flicker, Ryou was getting sleepy just watching them.  His vision blurred before re-blinking a couple times.  Finally his vision was back, back to the fire that danced so majestically, he didn't even notice he was no longer sitting in a cave but a clearing.    

Ryou warmed his hands by the fire, trying to keep warm, but to no avail.  He hadn't noticed as someone snuck up behind him…

A cold hand gripped Ryou's shoulder causing him to wince out in pain as someone forced him to look up at him or her.  Ryou's eyes opened wide as he came face to face with his Other.  A small gasp escaped his lips before confusion furrowed his brow.  His Other glared at him before kneeing him in his stomach.  The silver haired boy fell with an 'euf'.   Ryou's Other looked down at him.  His mouth opened and his voice spoke to him, it was ruff and…cold.  "Heh, you could hardly be an adversary, you're too damn weak!  I can't believe 'he' sent me to finish you off."  Ryou's Other grabbed a handful of the white hair that was Ryou's before yanking it up causing Ryou to panic.  'This just can't be happening, it can't!'  Ryou was dragged across the filth of the ground all the while struggling to get free.  He never did.

"Other!", he yelled full of confusion and urgency, "…please, please let me go!"  Ryou was dragged to the fire, his head pulled up so he could see the dancing flames perfectly.  "Okay," the Other spoke with what seemed like a hint of a smile.  And then with one strong yank Ryou went forward into the flames…

"Aaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!"

Ryou jolted and fell backwards.  He hastily jumped up and looked around the cavern with such terror in his eyes you'd almost think he'd lost it.  Nothing was there though.  He was still in the dark and gloomy cave, …and the fire was still- there.  Burning bright as ever.  Ryou backed away from the flames till he reached a cold stonewall.  He stood there like that, one hand made into a small fist above his heart, the other flat against the cave wall.  Eyes never moving from the flames. 

It took him some time to put everything together.  That it was just another accursed visions.  Just a 'vision', nothing more.  He never went into the flames, he couldn't have, he wasn't dirty at all, just as he had been previously, and it WAS just a vision. His other wasn't there- hasn't been here.  He was safe, still safe.  Ryou eyed the flames' suspiciously.  …It had felt so real.      

Why him.  Why?

All the pain and loneliness that had been hiding in his heart took that moment to surface and Ryou shrank to the floor.  He buried his face in his hands as he wept openly for the first time.  …He was truly alone.

Yugi was actually a lot better off, well, at least compared to poor Ryou; he simply just didn't know it.  He too contented himself in front of a fire, although a lot smaller then which was Ryou's.  He edged closer to the flames in an inane attempt to get warm.  It worked but by doing so he had accidentally nudged Joey who was crouched tippie-toe style also trying to get warm.  Unfortunately in order for Joey not to fall forward due to the total lack of balance that Yugi had so graciously bestowed, he flung out his hands in an absurd gesture that he toppled a few seconds before falling backwards.  This was good for him but bad for Tristen who had just entered the clearing where they were camping, for you see all the food he had foraged was beside Joey.  Tristen's mouth fell open and his eyes bulged slightly as Joey's foot had knocked the food he was 'snacking' on into the flames.  A small 'yelp' escaped Yugi's mouth as the flames were almost smothered, meaning his heat source was too.  Tristen raced forward and grabbed at the food managing to save a few before burning… well partially, the fire wasn't too big as previously said.

Joey was about to get up when he noticed both Tristen's and Yugi's glares.  "What?"  The two rolled their eyes in annoyance before turning their backs on him coldly.  Joey, for his part, scrunched up his face as he quickly stood.  Shaking his fist he yelled at the two glarers.  "It wasn't my fault!  Yugi pushed me!!!, thanks by the way."  Tristen turned to Yugi who shrugged as he unrolled his sleeping bag.

The three had fled the city not but less then a week ago and had been surviving wherever this place is ever since.  Luckily for them Tristen had had this book in his bag The Foragers Guide Book To Survival so while everyone grieved the loss of their family and friends each had taken a role and pact.  Tristen found food, Yugi shelter and Joey wood, figuring he could easily do that.  The group of teens hadn't talked too much due to the need for silence; it was Joey who finally pointed out that at least they were safe and together.  So the boys found comfort within each other.  Some nights they'd huddle close needing the human contact they shared.  They felt so alone now that everyone was gone. 

Not wanting the slightest bit of tear in his friendship with Joey, Yugi spoke up while he knew his never waking friend was up.  "…Joey, you still up?"  He spoke softly feeling it was appropriate in the dead of night.  A wide yawn was his response.  "Joey, I'm sorry I unbalanced you.  We're still good right."  Joey yawned again before responding sleepily.  "Yeah Yug, we're still good," then a little louder to Tristen, "Hey Tristen, wake up!"  Joey raised his arm then swatted down on Tristen's side.  The said person woke startled, "What! What is it!"  He suddenly jumped up with a stick in his hands and swung it blindly before noticing his two comrades blank faces, awkwardly he placed the stick on the ground and went back in his sleeping bag muttering an apology. 

As soon as Tristen turned on his side again Joey swatted him.  "Aha!  So it was you!"  Tristen gave Joey a glare.  "Well, what do you want."  Joey smiled sweetly.  "Sorry for knocking yer food in dat fire."  Tristen turned back on his side.  "If you stop hitting me I'll forgive you, alright."  Even though Tristen couldn't see it Joey nodded his head.  "'Night guys."  "Good night", was the reply.  

Feeling content and a little lighter on the mood Yugi wrapped his sleeping bag up tight.  Man was it ever freezing out, so cold.  Eventually he fell asleep again.

    Yugi was panting he was out of breath.  Finally he could run no more and collapsed to the floor.  Soft pattering could be heard in the distance- getting louder.  Yugi tried to lift himself off the ground but he was too exhausted.  He fell back to the ground.  'patter, patter, patter.'  Straining he turned his head.  'patter, patter, patter'  Yugi's eyes widened in fear.  …he was here.  The dark figure wasted no time.  As soon as Yugi was in reach it swooped down and hauled him up via his neck.  Yugi's feet tangled helplessly as thoughts of just breathing started to go hazy.  "Please, irk, please sto-okk.  You're ki-ki-killing me!  The dark figure smiled at Yugi's pleas. Yugi kicked furiously as it was the only thing he could do, but soon even that seemed too much, then the world went black…

Yugi opened one eye very slowly, then the other.  He watched the night sky without actually seeing it.  The clouds shifted and moved many times yet Yugi hadn't noticed.  His chest moved up and down in a slow rhythmic pace before his hand started to twitch ever so slightly.  Soon it was twitching at an exceedingly quick pace.  He couldn't take it anymore.  He leaned on his elbow and used the twitching hand to encircle his neck ever so softly before wrapping his arms around his legs and began to sob.  What had he done to deserve these visions? What was so special about him?  Why him, why!

He pounded the dirt in his sad furry knowing no question he asked would ever get answered.  The sad part was that after his first vision came true he believed that they all would, including that one.  He would be hunted he would get caught.  And then, oh then he would die…

He feared his killer more than anything else; his killer was heartless, and cruel beyond belief.  His killer would kill him, probably Joey and Tristen too.  They were all good as dead with him around.  If he had warned someone, anyone, about his previous visions then maybe some of the people would still be alive.  It was his fault, all his fault!  Yugi pounded the ground again as tears blurred his vision utterly.  …Maybe they didn't have to die, nobody did.  If only he had…

"Wha'z zat Triezten, ya want ta take some 'o my ize cream… but… but it'z mine…"  Joey rolled over still asleep, in his mouth he was chewing on the sleeping bag. 

Even after all that's happened they can still sleep soundly, no not I, never I.  They'll never be safe with me around, he'll come and they'll be no more. 

Yugi didn't give any time to think on the matter, no time to reconsider.  He had to leave now before he gave into his loneliness and stayed, before he endangered or killed his friends.  Before more bloodshed was added to his name.  …It was his entire fault.  Tears slowed as determination took hold.  Yugi quickly rolled up his sleeping bag and shifted his backpack to make sure it was comfortable. 

He had to leave; he had to- before the dark one came to kill him.  With grim determination Yugi turned his back to his friends and in a random direction started to walk softly so as not to be heard.

"Yug, where ar'ou goin'?"

Yugi froze mid-step.  Had he been discovered? What could he- how could he explain his fear, they could die, he had to leave!  Yugi turned ready to be met with a suspicious gaze.

"Stay ayway fom my ize cream… 'eh, at's mine!…"

Yugi was dumbfounded, yet relieved and burdened.  He won't get to say goodbye.  This was too much.  Yugi quickly turned on his heels and dashed into the gloomy forest.  He hastened through the trees, eager to get away, never to return.  Maybe he should have said goodbye, when else would he be able to?  He wouldn't get to see his friends ever again.  He'd be dead.

Yugi ran, his eyelashes were still wet from his previous sobs, yet even if they weren't they'd be wet now.  He stumbled in his blindness till finally he fell and came crashing down.  His teared eyes made it impossible to distinguish what little there was from the ever-darkening woods.  Blindly he felt around till he found a rather large root, following it he took refuge under the great oaks branches.  Sounds unfamiliar to a city raised teen scared him and already he wished to be back in the company of his friends where he was safe from harm. 

Tightly rapped by his arms Yugi sat in freight until the unthinkable happened.  It rained.  The thunder that was the rains warning scared Yugi more then anything and he didn't feel safe at all.  At any moment he could be devoured by whatever lurked in the shadows.  When the rain came the forest became nothing but blackness.  Yugi held himself tighter.

(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)(O)

Draggy:  Forever and a day and yet I still return.

Anyway, as a special treat I think I'll continue our little story…. …. …. …. About that oh so clever, blind as a bat squirrel.

*clears throat*  The last we had seen our little furry friend had decided to eat Apricot's face… she didn't much appreciate it either.  Now it's set it's goal on a certain cute white haired bishonen.  (I love Bakura/Ryou!)… I mean, whoever could it be????

Our tale begins…

Ryou scolded himself; he had missed everyone today at the normal meeting place due to his being late!  It wasn't his fault though, his yami….   Ryou put all thoughts of his yami in the past, there was no sense remembering them now.  He raced across the street in an attempt to have enough time to get to the office before second period. 

But then, something caught his eye making Ryou stop involuntarily.  A little grey squirrel had fallen out of a tree, (guess who!) actually it was the same squirrel who misplaced Apricot for an actual apricot, when Tristen had thrown him he had smacked off the tree he was currently under and had suddenly felt like it was a good time for a nap.  However, Ryou knew nothing of this and so Ryou felt nothing but sympathy for the squirrel, after all it was pretty cute.

Worried that the squirrel was dead Ryou shyly reached a hand out to touch it, poke it if you will, when he got the idea of a stick.  Grabbing the closest one he promptly poked it.  The squirrel twitched slightly, as if agitated.

Ryou, you fool what are you doing!

"The squir-"

Do you think the Pharaoh won't notice your absence!  Get moving!

"I would yami, but the squirrel-"

Bakura gave off a noise that Ryou guessed was a grunt.  Fine!  If the squirrels safety means soo much to you, Bakura took control of Ryou's body and took but a second to examine it.  "It's alive, happy." He said sardonically.

No, I refuse to go until it's up on its legs!

Bakura rolled his eyes at Ryou's words then he smiled most unpleasantly.  "Fine hikari, if that's your wish."  Bakura's hand shot out and grabbed the grey squirrel he leaned it up against the tree.  "Done"

Ryou gave Bakura what he hoped was a scowl; crossing his arms he shook his head sadly.

"Fine!"  Bakura flicked it till it woke, quite angrily I might add.  The squirrels eyes where on fire, still Bakura flicked it, a soft smile on his face.

Yami… Yami… Yami… Yami…, Ryou was getting annoyed.  YAMI! "What?" You might want to stop that now And yet, (hehe) Bakura didn't relent.  He kept flicking, and flicking, and flicking and flicking AND flicking the grey squirrel.  Ryou was getting really annoyed.  Of course, then again, so was the squirrel. And yet Bakura still did not relent. Through a sudden burst of anger the squirrel jumped into Bakura shirt, which was quite easy considering the fact he was leaning forward on the ground. Bakura's eyes went wide in freight as a scream escaped his lips.  And oh, it was not a manly scream either… in fact not even a boyish scream, for what escaped his lips was a high-pitched baby girl wail! Ryou smiled gleefully.  The squirrel was fine and Bakura was…. Heh, Ryou couldn't help but laugh.  Bakura heard him and in one full-length switch exchanged places with Ryou.  Now, as you could imagine this was not a pleasant thing to suddenly be thrust into, especially with no idea that it was happening.  Startled Ryou did the only sane thing one could think of within a nana-second of time in which to think it.  He ran into the tree.  Can we say 'ow'.  

Bakura sat back and laughed his head off for Ryou had managed to lose the squirrel all right.  A second before he collided with the tree our smart squirrel jumped off causing him to go headfirst in vain.

Bakura couldn't stop laughing for it was just too amusing.  Bakura's smile faded when he saw the squirrel approach the non-moving Ryou, and was it his imagination or was the little grey bugger smiling scornfully, teeth glittering in the sunlight.  Hesitantly Bakura watched through the aid of the Millennium Ring, okay maybe it wasn't as funny as he had previously thought.  Hmmm.

Bakura took control of the still in shock/pain teen that had no idea what was happening.  Good thing too because he was just in time, the second he took control of Ryou's body his hand darted about till be grabbed a stick which he had lifted in front of his face like a shield.

Ahhhh, poor little squirrel, this just isn't your day is it.  Our grey companion had grabbed onto the stick instead of Bakura's face, the said individual started to shake and twist the squirrel-ka-bob much like you would with a sparkler, why he even spelled his name!  (Don't worry, the squirrel bit the horizontal part of the stick, he was quite all right)

Ryou reached the school gate with not only a huge lump on his forehead but also a HUGE headache, along with grass stains and tiny scratches under his shirt.  He was in a most horrible mood… that's saying a lot, come on it's RYOU!  The most annoying pain in his head wasn't his /yami's ego/ sized headache but rather his yami's mocking voice.

Ha,ha, heh, he.  You know Ryou, I never knew it was so… entertaining, to help things in need.

"Oh, shut up yami!" 

Draggy:  I actually have nothing to say.  "Hi all."  Hi Pinksugar and EVERYONE else who's been very patient.