Chapter 4: Capturing an Angel

Name: Bakura

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It was almost a month, but probably only three weeks, after my argument with Marik before something of relative interest occurred. I had just returned from my daily watch for Ryou.

Yes, it was slightly pathetic, but, as I had nothing else to do, waiting outside the hunters' training center seemed like a decent way to get my jollies. Ryou's previously broken arm had begun to mend, but Ryou was still hurt and his arm was a liability. I had learned within a few days that, after Ryou got out of work, he would take a bus to the training hall and work out for an hour or so. I suppose he was trying to compensate for his damaged arm, because he worked hard.

He was wonderfully lithe and agile and I loved to watch his muscles move under his skin the way a cat's would. I would wait for Ryou to strip off his shirt before I would decide that I had watched enough. I think he knew I was watching him, or at least sensed my presence. A few times I caught him looking in my direction, but he couldn't see me with his human eyes. I made sure of that.

Anyway, after three weeks, Yami paid me a visit.

It should be noted that even before the battle, I was never a fan of vampiric society. To be frank, I avoided it like the fucking plague. Hehe, I remember that; God, those were the days.

Right, so Yami came by. I was in the middle of a shower when he knocked on my door. I considered just shouting for Yami to come in, but that was dangerous, as I had no idea who it was, and I had made it a point never to invite anyone into my house, just because I had a habit of pissing off too many people.

When I finally got my ass out of the shower and to the front door, Yami was looking a bit pissed off, but I couldn't have cared less. I told him to wait a minute while I got on some clothes and finally I joined him on my front walk. He was looking out at the street, but didn't bother to turn around when I approached. Standing next to him, I sighed and waited for him to talk.

"Bakura," Yami nodded, as I locked my door and sent a death glare in the direction of one of the neighbor's kids. I scared the piss out of most of them, literally. God, it was great.

Sighing, I pulled my sunglasses out of my pocket and slipped them on.

"Yami," I nodded in return and frowned as Yami took a cigarette out and sorted through his pocket, trying to find a lighter. "You know that's a bad habit, right?"

"What's it gonna do? Give me cancer?" Yami smirked, pushing his sunglasses down his nose, so I could see his eyes for the second before he pushed the glasses back up again.

"What do you want?"

"Who says I want anything?" Yami asked, trying to look offended. I glared at him and Yami shrugged. "Talked to Marik lately?"

"Define: 'lately.'"

"This month."

"Sure; what's your point?"

"I've been hearing reports that Marik's acting a little oddly recently."

"Is that a joke? Marik's always acted a bit oddly. Hell, he's odd if he's normal!"

"Odder than usual."

"Why do you want to know? Jou hasn't been around much, either, but you're not riding my ass about him."

"First of all, Jou isn't your child. Second of all, I know that Jou is at his child's home, educating his child and his child's brother. Besides, Marik's not exactly a weakling, is he? The reports have been getting worse since I had Marik's child executed. It's always wise, when you're a leader, to keep good tabs on your underlings, especially when they might have a grudge like that."

"So you want me to tell you what he's up to so you can stay on the top of the food chain?"

"If you would. If figure, it'd be best if you did it, since you're his master."

"Go to hell. I don't want to get involved." I snorted as I turned to go back into my house. Yami slowly put his cigarette to his lips and took a long drag before speaking again.

"I order you as your leader to tell me what Marik is doing."

"Don't pull rank on me, you bastard!" I hissed, turning around and glaring at his back.

"I'm the damn leader!" Yami snapped back, as he turned to face me as well. I could see that he wasn't pleased with my disobedience, but I wasn't going bend over and kiss his ass. "I'm warning you, Bakura; I'm stronger than you are, so don't mess with me."

"Not stronger, Arthur! You're just interested. I could beat you any day of the year!"

"What did you call me?"

"I called your sorry ass Arthur!" I snarled, curling my lips back to show my dangerous teeth. "Now, you listen to me, Arthur. I'm far stronger that you, you get it? Not only am I older than you are, but I was scared to death when I was changed, do you hear me? You might have been scared, but your fear was only half what mine was! I'm stronger, and always will be stronger than you, so don't you fucking dare piss me off!"

"If you call me…"

"What? Your name?"

"It's not my name! You know I left it when my uncle died! I'm no longer Arthur!" Yami snapped, his fangs extending slightly, and we stood inches from each other, our glares filled with anger. Finally Yami let out a annoyed 'tsk'ing sound, and we relaxed slightly , taking a defensive step backwards. "But I need some answers, so I'm willing to bargain."

"What've you got that I want?"

"What do you want that I have?"

"Nothing."

"There has to be something," Yami shrugged, before smirking. "Or someone."

"What is that supposed to mean?" I glared, viciously baring my fangs. I think it surprised Yami that he had struck a nerve with his joking comment, but by then he knew something was up so I couldn't pretend like there wasn't someone.

"Who is it? I promise you can have them," Yami nodded, grinding his forgotten cigarette under his shoe.

"The gods promised Paris the same thing," I smirked. "And look what happened."

"Who. Is. It? Damn it, I want to get on with this shit!" Yami frowned, his teeth grinding together in aggravation.

"He's a hunter. You can't miss him; he looks just like me, only shorter and weaker."

"What's his name, and how do you want his head severed?"

"He goes by Ryou and I want him alive."

"Alive?"

"And unharmed. Bring him to me, and I'll tell you what's bothering Marik."

Sorry about the pause, the girl scouts were coming by, and I had to take a moment to buy some of their cookies again. Shut up, you asshole; I happen to like cookies…stupid Ryou.

So, I sat down on my porch and waited a good hour for Yami to come back. By then it was pitch black and I was ready to tell Yami to go fuck himself.

Well, that's a lie. For starters, just typing that gives me bad images (I don't want to think about Yami getting some from anyone, least of all himself) so I wouldn't have phrased it precisely like that. Another reason being that I still wanted my end of the bargain, and you never, ever cheat a vampire. It's distinctly bad for one's health; please note this.

So, maybe just before nine, Yami came around the corner of my house, carrying two limp bodies, one over each shoulder. Yes, two. I only asked for one.

"Here you go," Yami sighed as he let me take Ryou's limp body. I held him bridal style, careful not to shift his hurt arm too much. "So, what's going on with Marik?"

"Yami, who's the other guy?"

"Funny story, that. So I finally track down your little hunter and I find his at this small game shop. So I get myself invited in--believe me, that wasn't easy--and I find your boy talking with this guy. To make a long story short, I picked a fight with your boy Ryou and got found out. So little, noble Ryou tries to protect this kid, apparently goes by the name Yugi, long enough for Yugi to run to get some help."

"So you kidnapped them both?"

"I prefer the term 'cut my losses'. Hn, it wasn't to hard, since Ryou's arm was broken anyway," Yami smirked, as he shifted Yugi's form slightly. "So, spill."

"You don't have to worry about an uprising, Yami. Marik's sneaking off to see a lover, that's all."

"Who is it?"

"No one you'd know."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Hn. Well, as long as he keeps his ass in line."

"He won't get out of line; he can't risk it," I smirked as I turned to enter my house. "Don't be too hard on that kid, Yami."

"You just watch your hunter; you'll have more than enough trouble with him."

And Yami was right. Damn it, was he ever right.

I finally managed to unlock my front door, nudge it open and get inside without jostling Ryou too much. 'Too much' being the operative words in that sentence.

Kicking my door closed, I carried Ryou up to the guestroom next to my own bedroom and carefully placed him on the bed. I quickly went into my own room and grabbed a pair of gloves so I could pat Ryou down for any weapons. Yes, I wanted to speak with him; no, I didn't want a silver bullet between my eyes.

I found a fully loaded silver automatic tucked into the waistband of Ryou's pants and there were a few silver blades hidden on his person. Grumbling, I rolled them up in a bed sheet and dumped them in the toilet. Yes, the toilet; it's a wonderful hiding place. Everyone has a natural aversion to sticking their hand in there, and it's wet, so Ryou's gun would quickly become useless.

When I finally came back into the guestroom, I found that Ryou had already woken up and was looking around. He had gotten off the bed and was inspecting the window, which had been painted shut. I coughed slightly and waited for Ryou to look up.

"Holy… who are you?" Ryou asked when he turned around to see me. I could see his hands reach for various places on his body, obviously searching for a weapon of some sort.

"My name's Bakura. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Ryou," I replied with a traditional Japanese bow. "You're in my house. Sit down. You head and arm must hurt a lot."

I motioned for Ryou to sit on the bed and I turned to pull a chair over to the bed.

"Why am I here?" Ryou asked as he continued to stand.

"I said sit down. Now sit your ass down," I growled dangerously. I watched as Ryou slowly walked over to the bed and sat down, his eyes never leaving mine. "Good. Now, you're here because I wanted to meet you."

"What? Why?"

"Can you blame me? You look like me. It's funny," I smirked as I stood and quickly reached out to tugged lightly on a lock of Ryou's hair. His left hand came up to grab my wrist, so I left my hand on his hair. I looked down at him and he glared up at me, still holding my wrist. "I keep wondering what it would have been like if I had stayed a mortal."

"You're a… vampire?" Ryou gasped as he quickly released my wrist, and scooted to the far side of the bed.

"Good job." I grinned as Ryou wrenched himself free of my gaze. I could see Ryou's eyes quickly dart around the room as if trying to find a weapon of some sort. "I won't hurt you. Check yourself, if you want. No one fed off you; you're still pure, little hunter."

"What do you want with me?" Ryou asked as his hand quickly checked his neck and wrists for bite marks.

"I told you. You intrigue me," I smirked as I moved closer to Ryou. Ryou 'eep'ed and fell off the bed onto the floor. He struggled to his feet and moved so that he could keep himself out of reaching distance.

"You fucking idiot! Get over here!" I growled in annoyance as I quickly reached over to grab him. He tried to slip out of the way, but I managed to snag his wrist. Spinning him closer, I grabbed him around the waist and we fell onto the bed.

"There. Now, is that so fucking bad?" I whispered into his ear, trying to control my anger. I watched as he shook his head slightly. I smirked, know that he was still scared out of his mind. I decided that if I gave him another shock, he might have a heart attack, so I changed the topic quickly. "Tell me what it's like. Tell me what I could have been."

"You never could have been me, vampire," Ryou spat, as he tried to pull away from me. I held on tighter, and eventually he gave up. However, I did notice that he lifted his shoulders to protect his neck.

"Bakura, please. 'Vampire' sounds so formal," I replied as I smirked at his pathetic attempts to protect himself.

"Are you crazy?" He asked as he twisted around slightly, so he could look at my face.

"Perhaps. Nine hundred years does fuck with your brains a little," I shrugged, flashing my fangs in a mock-laugh.

"Nine hundred… Oh my God. You're that Bakura?"

"Wasn't aware there was more than one."

"I'm so dead." Ryou whispered as he slumped against me. The fear and anger that had been radiating from him had been quickly replaced with hopelessness and despair.

"I won't hurt you, Ryou," I whispered to him. "Just do as I say, and we can both be very happy. Talk with me."

"What do you want me to say? What do you want me to tell you?" Ryou asked, his voice shaking a little. He let out a small, slightly hysterical laugh. "Clan secrets? Where our leader is located? Oh, how about where we all live and how to infiltrate? Why not? Who knows, I might even answer you. I'm dead if I don't and there's no mercy for traitors. I can't fucking win; I'm going to die!"

"Relax, you idiot." I frowned, as I pushed him off my lap and stood up. "Who wants to know that? If I'd wanted to know that I definitely wouldn't have kidnapped you."

"You don't want to ask about that? Why not?" Ryou asked. He had calmed down slightly, but his breathing and pulse were still slightly erratic.

"Who cares? I don't bother your kind and your kind don't bother me. Besides, I could find that out by myself anyway."

"Then what do you want to know?" Ryou asked in confusion.

"Your parents," I began, trying desperately to calm him down. "Tell me about them."

"My parents? You could ask me anything in the world and you ask about them?" Ryou asked, looking at me in disbelief.

"I don't remember mine. I always kind of wondered." I admitted, blushing lightly. I looked over at the wall so he couldn't see, but I kept my ears open so I could hear the slightest movement. I was pretty sure there was nothing in the room that could be used as a weapon, but better safe than dead.

"Well, I don't remember my mom and my dad's never around, so I guess we're in the same boat," Ryou whispered.

"And your friends?"

"I'm mostly a loner," Ryou began, blushing faintly, as my breath tickled the hairs on his neck, "but I still get together with Malik often. We're close, but we've drifted apart recently. He seems distant lately."

Ryou seemed to lose himself in thought for a moment, and I smirked. I knew why Malik had become distant. I thought back to Marik, and I fisted my hands in anger, dragging Ryou back to reality.

"Otogi and Honda are my two hunter friends. They're dating, and I think they're really in love."

"Aren't you friends with anyone outside of your damn clan?" I snapped in annoyance. I may have kidnapped a hunter, but I truly didn't want to hear about them all the time.

"Well, there was Mokuba… but he's dead now. And then there's… OH SHIT! Yugi!" Ryou cried as he leapt off the bed. I whirled to face him and was surprised at the offensive position he had taken. "What have you done with Yugi, you bastard!"

"Yugi's with Yami."

"Is he hurt? If he's hurt, I'll…" he began, but I cut him off.

"You stupid friend is alive. At least, he was the last time I saw him." I sighed, not wanting to listen to his rant.

"If he's hurt, I'm holding you responsible."

"Really?" I asked, cocking an eyebrow. "Interesting. You certainly are defensive of this boy. What's in it for you? Are you lovers? You must be. You're not family, and no one gets this defensive over a fuck buddy." I asked, my voice like steel. This seemed to surprise Ryou and he took a step backwards in surprise.

"L-Lovers?" Ryou asked in surprise. He took another step backwards and sat on the bed, looking at the floor. "No. Yugi and I are just friends. It's just that… I was trying really hard to protect him. But I guess it's like when Honda and I tried to protect Seto and Mokuba that one time… but Mokuba's dead. And it just seems that… if I can't protect people, what good am I? That's what hunters are supposed to do, protect people!"

"Mokuba?" I asked, the name seeming familiar. I hadn't really listened to what Ryou had said after that; I had only been watching the defiant glint in his eyes. "Is that when your arm was broken? In that fight?"

"Yes. A vampire did it. So what?"

"Who did it? What was his name?" I asked, stepping towards him.

"I… I don't know. No one ever called him by name." Ryou replied, scooting backwards.

"What did he look like?"

"Well, he-he had dirty blond hair and his bangs were spiked funnily. And he had earrings!" Ryou frowned, looking as if he was desperately trying to remember.

"Did he wear a purple sleeveless shirt? Were his earrings gold and the dangling type?"

"Yes. Wait, how did you know?"

"Marik," I hissed angrily.

"You know him?"

"He's my… child," I admitted. "Hn, when he shows his face around again, I'll give him a piece of my fucking mind. That bastard, I'll bet he was imagining me when he broke your arm. Stupid dick!"

"Bakura? Are you angry?" Ryou asked, scooting back another inch.

"Not with you. Now, go to sleep," I whispered as I quickly reached up and pinched a nerve in Ryou's neck, which caused him to slump forward, already asleep.

AN: This AN isn't important to the story, but it is an interesting side note. I'm creating a mildly historical past for Yami.

In this story, Yami is the nephew of King John of England. The historical account of Prince Arthur:Arthur, duke of Brittany 1196-1203? (BORN: 1187 to Geoffrey, fourth son of Henry II)- After the death of Richard I of England, Arthur's claim to the English crown was passed over in favor of his Uncle John. Arthur allied himself with Philip II of France, who invested Arthur with Richard's fiefs in France. Fighting ensued, and Arthur was captured (1202) by John, who is suspected of murdering him (1203?).

But in my story, Yami's uncle sent an assassin to Yami's cell and the assassin, a vampire, changed Yami into a vampire. In my story-verse, I am also claiming that Yami had a hand in his Uncle John's somewhat suspicious death. GO ME AND ENGLISH HISTORY!