Holy crap this took me forever to post. Mostly cause I slacked off...
My apologies if I have the methods of a Vampire wrong. I don't happen to be
one sadly, yet I must say, my own blood tastes like the yum when I'm cut.
Other than that, I hope I have something good going here. I want to get a
plot that has twists and actually makes sense. And foreshadowing. O.o And
thought put into it! I promise, there will NOT be a rushed ending to this
one. I said I'd use the characters more, but I lied. Hahaha. x-x
Omfg...Freai. XD Hahaha! Your review! You have no idea how much this made me laugh. And I don't know why either. O-o; I mentioned it at school to a friend. Congrats, you're famous now. Thanks for reading, you're awesome! Not to mention everybody else, so don't feel left out. :)
Freai: o.O Well, that's surprising.
Ryou: I think Marik's an idiot.
Yugi: Agreed.
Malik: (Giving Yugi weird looks) you suggested he suck OUR blood?
Marik: (Sucking blood from neighborhood dog) Hm... What?
Malik: Nothing.
Freai: -_- Well, update soon! I really like this story!
----
Kaiser stood atop a dumpster in as much glory as one could conjure from that position in the back of an alley. His fierce red eyes were trained on Marik who was situated near the opening of the alley. Marik was pinned against the wall and hidden rather well in the shadows. Kaiser smiled to himself as he saw an unsuspecting man start to pass the alley. He seemed also to be in a hurry, but not for long. He watched as Marik slid from the alley, looping an arm around the man's neck from behind and forcing him into the alley. The man gave up quite a fight, first struggling and then trying to force Marik off of him.
Marik shoved the man up against a wall, growling darkly. The man became frightened once he saw Marik's features and tried to yell but found himself latched onto by the long fangs of the Vampire. He struggled less as he lost blood, becoming limp in Marik's grasp. Marik kept his muscles tensed, draining the man eagerly. It took a strong will for him to keep from killing this man. And so when his heart slowed, he nearly didn't stop. His priorities won in the end and he drew back from the man who slumped to the ground.
The man had fallen unconscious and his breathing was shallow, but he'd live. Marik licked the remainder of the blood from his lips and glanced over to Kaiser who beckoned for him to come near. This was the fifth time they had done this tonight and Kaiser was extremely pleased with this newer Vampire, "Well done. I think you'll do just fine. Do you need me to accompany you tomorrow, or will you be fine on your own?" Marik shook his head, "I don't need help." Despite his clean up job, a bit of blood still clung to his face. He was becoming denatured to the killings. Kaiser hopped down from the dumpster, "Let's go, we don't need to stick around."
Malik woke up late again and hurried to get ready for school. He pulled his uniform on and brushed his teeth, skipping breakfast entirely. He passed by Marik's room for the second time that morning and glanced inside. He wondered for a moment why Marik was shirtless but then shook his head and headed out to the garage to start up his bike and get to school before the bell rang.
Ryou waved Malik over in homeroom with a smile. Malik strode over to Ryou and sat beside him, "What's up?" "Nothing very interesting I'm afraid," Ryou replied, "So, did Marik ever tell you why he left yesterday?" Malik shook his head, "No. But he said he'd be hunting animals from now on. I guess that means he'll be ok." Ryou looked relieved, "Oh good. Just remind him to keep out of sight."
Malik heard someone mention his name and glanced over his shoulder to see Joey pointing at him and talking to Duke. Confused, he tilted his head, "What are they saying?" Ryou looked confused as well, "I'm not sure." "I'll go find out," Malik murmured as he walked over to Joey. Duke mentioned that Malik was headed their way and Joey froze. "What's going on?" Malik said as he neared Joey. Joey got up and edged away, "I just remembered! I left somethin' in my locker. See ya!" With that he exited the room. Duke rose and followed him, "I'll uh. Make sure he doesn't get lost, bye."
Malik merely gawked at their sudden departure. He was so surprised that he didn't notice Ryou who had arrived beside him, "Don't worry about them; they're just being weird." Malik was startled by Ryou's sudden appearance but he soon calmed, "But why? People don't normally run off when I come near them." Ryou sighed and pointed over to Yugi who was talking to Tristan and Tea, "Him, that's why. I doubt he meant any harm though." Malik stared at Ryou, taking him by the shoulders and shaking him, "He's told Wheeler! That means he's practically told the whole school about Marik and I'll be socially shunned forever!"
Ryou's eyes rattled a bit as he was shaken, "C-Calm down, Malik." Malik realized what he was doing and so he dropped his arms to his sides. Ryou sighed, "I know you're stressed out, I am too. But just try to ignore them. They don't know anything anyway. Right?" Malik shrugged and walked back to his seat to retrieve his books as the morning bell rang.
The day went by like normal, only this time, Malik could feel eyes on him in every class. He figured that by now, people thought -he- was a Vampire. A group of girls sitting several rows in front of him looked back toward him and made faces, causing him to sink lower into his chair. Ryou heard a faint chuckle in his mind, a reminder that the spirit of the ring was awake and watching, ~ Well this is amusing. The sand rat's a school outcast now. Why don't you stop hanging around with him? You're ruining our image. ~ Ryou shifted in his seat, ~ Because he's my friend. I need to stand by him at all times. I really wish you knew what that was like, Bakura ~
Bakura only laughed, ~ I don't need to know what it's like, Mortal. I need only look at you to see how weak you've become because of it. ~ Ryou disagreed and Bakura knew it, ~ What, you think you're strong? Fine, tell that lie to yourself, I hope it gets you into a lot of trouble my dear Mortal. ~ Ryou ignored Bakura from that point on, focusing on the teacher. He glanced to Malik every now and again who seemed to want to get out of the room as fast as possible.
Malik was all too happy to get out of school. He didn't even stop at his locker. He could tell that there'd be a group of people with questions crowding it. He simply ran out the back door of the school, carrying a handful of books he didn't need. Ryou looked for Malik, but as predicted he couldn't see him anywhere by his locker which was quite crowded. He went to his own locker and retrieved his schoolbag, dumping a few things into it before shutting his locker and heading out of the building.
At some point, while walking home, Ryou heard a motorcycle slowing down. He turned his head toward the street, seeing Malik. He was relieved but at the same time worried for his friend. Malik smiled, "Need a ride?" Ryou smiled in return, "Yea, ok." He walked over to Malik, "Are you alright?" Malik nodded as Ryou climbed onto the bike. Ryou didn't ride with Malik often, but he was glad when he did. Ryou put his arms around Malik's waist with slight discomfort and he held on loosely, blushing a bit. Malik laughed, "It's how you ride a bike; you'll get used to it."
Ryou tightened his grip suddenly as Malik floored it and the bike shot forward. Malik felt Ryou practically clinging to his back and purposely dodged traffic and took sharp turns. Malik cut out in front of a car, and Ryou gasped, "You did that on purpose!" Malik grinned, "Yeah, I did." Ryou started focusing on staying on the bike again, "You're terrible." Of course he didn't mean it. "Don't worry, I won't crash. No walls this time," Malik said with a chuckle in his voice.
When Malik pulled up to Ryou's apartment, he glanced back at Ryou who got off quickly and tried to stand straight without his legs shaking. Malik smirked, "I'm telling you, you'll be fine." Ryou nodded. Malik saw a slight change come over Ryou at that moment, "Never shake this vessel up like that again, sand rat. I'll slit your throat." Malik frowned as he thought of a way to counter Bakura's sudden insult, "Then I'll have Marik bite your's." Bakura looked as if he was at a loss for words, "Hmph..." He turned and headed for the apartment building. "I'll bet you got scared too, Bakura!" Malik yelled after him. Now satisfied, Malik left the apartment and headed home.
Marik saw his bedroom door open. Oh great, who was waking him up now? Malik entered the room and gave Marik an odd look, "How come you were out so late last night? I may have been half asleep, but I certainly know what time it was." Marik forced himself to sit up, despite his not wanting to, "I thought I told you. Hunting animals." Malik perked an eyebrow, "Do a better cleanup job next time." Marik caught the hint and wiped a bit of dried blood from the corner of his mouth.
"Look; I'm tired, Hikari. Can't you leave me be?" Marik pleaded. Malik glanced at the clock, "You've been asleep ALL day." Marik rubbed his eyes, "Yea, so?" Malik rolled his eyes, "Get out of bed. And put a shirt on, I don't want anybody to see those markings." Marik smiled slightly, "I think they're quite fashionable. Not to mention they're like a birth certificate to me. Or maybe it's because you like what you're seeing and can't stand it for much longer." Malik sputtered which made Marik grin, "You... Just put a shirt on!" He turned and left the room, blushing madly. The things his Yami said sometimes...
Malik went to his room, his spirits stirred a little bit by his Yami's antics. But still, the depression of today's events sent him spiraling downward once again as he shut the door behind him and moved to sit at his desk. He snatched up a pencil and stuck it in his mouth horizontally, biting down on it. Folding his arms on the desk, he put his head down and gnawed on the pencil, trying to soothe himself. He closed his eyes and sighed but opened his eyes once again when he felt the pencil snap in half. He spit it out along with a few rogue pieces of wood from the splintered edges of the said pencil.
Malik ran his tongue around the inside of his mouth unconsciously while he fell into some thought. Had this all really been a misunderstanding or was it really Marik's fault that he was in danger? He had vouched for staying behind while he told Malik to get home quick on that night when Cadelle visited Ryou. Why had he done that? And did it really take that long to catch and kill an animal when you had the reflexes of an animal yourself? Malik had so many questions to ask and no one to ask them to.
After a mid-day nap, Malik found that Marik had left the house again. Looking out the window, Malik could tell that his Yami was winged now. He found a note on the kitchen counter that read: Out for a flight. Be back soon. Narrowing his eyes slightly, Malik encountered some suspicion. The last time Marik had said he would be back soon, he was bitten by a Vampire. And why was he risking being seen just so he could fly around? He shrugged the thought off and resolved to watch some television until Odion returned home.
Odion entered a fairly quiet house, hanging up his coat at the door and entering the living room. He found Malik on the couch glued to the television, "Hello, master Malik." Malik didn't answer verbally, he only nodded. Odion then glanced toward the television to see why he was so interested. Malik was tuned into a news station and he seemed very avid about the current story. Moving to sit beside Malik, Odion listened in as a field reporter delivered an urgent message.
"Other related cases have been brought to light as seven more people have been claimed missing. Reports are flooding into 911 dispatchers at rates of two or three a day. Police seem to think that a serial killer is the culprit and advise citizens to carry protection of sort with them at all times. Other advice has been not to walk alone at night. Always travel in groups. And most important of all, if you've seen someone suspicious on the streets, let authorities know immediately. Back to you, Craig."
As the television panned back to a newsroom, Odion looked toward Malik who was now looking toward the window. He got up and walked over to it while being oddly silent. "Master Malik?" Odion questioned as he shut off the television and looked bewildered toward Malik. "I had a thought," Malik said after a moment. Odion walked over to his step brother, "What thought is that?" Odion used a gentle tone since he tread on a careful situation. "Where do you suppose Marik is getting the animals he's supposedly killing?"
Odion thought for a moment, seeing where this was going, "Strays perhaps?" Malik turned and gave Odion a look which told him that he was wrong. And what's more, there was fear in his eyes. Odion relaxed his shoulders, "Master Malik..." Malik looked out the window again, "I think it's him. Those people aren't missing. He got to them. Odion, what do we do?"
Odion heard panic in Malik's voice and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Calm down Malik." Those words soothed Malik now since Odion had dropped his master title. He merely nodded and turned to Odion, hugging him around the waist. Odion embraced his younger brother and gazed out the window himself, worried that Malik's fears were reality.
They fell to the ground just as easily as they walked. These simple humans were no match for his speed and cunning. Ha! Why did they think that running and screaming would help? So what if one or two died because they struggled. At least the breed was spreading. And that was the point, wasn't it? Even more importantly, Malik would be fine.
Marik grinned psychotically to himself as he crouched beside a fallen woman, licking a bit of excess blood from her neck. It didn't matter to him right now just what pain he was causing. He barely even cared that he was killing people. When the thought occurred to him, he emitted a triumphant crow and spread his wings, searching for a new victim. He caught the scent of a potent and familiar energy and so he dove down from the sky, landing atop a building and lying in wait.
Duke, Tea, Joey, Yugi, and Tristan lounged about in the game shop. Joey and Tristan were reading comics on the far wall and Yugi was having a playful duel with Duke. Tea gathered up her things and prepared to leave for the night, "Guys, it's getting pretty dark. I think I'm gonna' head home." Yugi looked over at her and smiled, "I'll walk you home. Let me get my jacket." Tea nodded, "I'll wait outside the shop." With that, she exited the front door while Yugi went to retrieve his jacket.
Yugi pulled on his jacket, finding it slung over a chair behind the counter. He headed back around the counter and passed Duke when he heard a scream from outside, "Tea!" The rest of the gang jumped up and Duke dropped his cards. They all rushed to get outside to see what was going on. Tea found herself pinned to the outer wall of the game shop where a red-eyed monster was trying to attack her. She struggled and yelled for Yugi who dashed out the door to her aide. Tea struggled in vain as the fiend grabbed her by the hair and pushed her head to one side, revealing her neck. She shrieked as fangs were plunged into her sensitive flesh.
Yugi paled at the scene in front of him, "Marik?" Joey and the rest arrived beside Yugi. "Get away from her ya' sick freak!" Joey bellowed. Marik drew back from Tea and growled since being interrupted. Tea's blood coated his fangs and dripped sinisterly from them. He emitted an inhuman growl while releasing Tea who slumped to the ground. She wasn't unconscious, but she was weakened by the sudden bite. The small group backed away as Marik advanced on them. Tristan gulped, "Uh-oh..." Duke yelped as Marik leapt for them. All four of them expected the worst but were confused as Marik was repelled. He staggered backward and snorted, looking beyond the group.
Who should be standing there but Ryou and his partner Cadelle. A certain black pendant around Ryou's neck shone faintly and a hurt expression was painted on his face. Surely this couldn't be Marik he was repelling? But the facial markings on the Vampire told him otherwise. "All of you, get out of here!" Cadelle screeched. She lifted an odd sort of knife from her side. It appeared to be a blade fixed to the end of a three foot wooden staff.
The group cleared the way, watching on as Ryou and Cadelle came upon Marik with force. Marik tried to get away but found a Vampire hunter on either side of him. Cadelle faked a move to Marik's left and he fell for it. She struck and slashed open quite a large cut on Marik left arm. He howled in pain and shied away from her.
He tried to retaliate and found himself repelled once more by Ryou's pendant. Seeing that there was no way to defend himself or fight back, Marik pulled off some fancy footwork of his own. He was nearly free when Cadelle plunged her blade deep into Marik's right wing and pulled her arm down, tearing a hole. Marik then bolted despite his pain and tried to fly, finding it much harder as his right wing failed to catch the wind properly. He left a bloody trail on the ground for several feet before flying off completely, visibly struggling in the air and dropping low several times.
Cadelle panted and wiped Marik's blood spatter from her face. She glanced to Ryou who was at Tea's side. Yugi and the other rushed to Ryou and Yugi knelt near Tea, "Tea? Are you ok?" Worry swelled within his violet eyes as he awaited a reply. Tea slipped unconscious and Yugi panicked. Ryou felt at the left side of her chest, detecting a strong heartbeat, "She's alright. And lucky too. He didn't change her and she's not going to die." Yugi looked faintly relieved, "Joey, let's get her inside and clean her neck up." The taller boy nodded. He and Tristan lifted Tea and entered the game shop once more.
As Tristan, Joey, and Duke watched over Tea, Yugi stayed beside Ryou, questioning him relentlessly, "Ryou? What's going on? Who's this?" He pointed at Cadelle who sneered heartlessly. Ryou blinked, "Yugi, calm down. This is Cadelle. She's a Vampire hunter like me. I'm so glad we got here when we did." Yugi sighed and nodded, looking back over at Tea. He eventually joined Joey, Tristan, and Duke beside her.
Cadelle had her cold gaze on Ryou and he knew why. He turned away from her and looked at the floor. "I told you..." she hissed into his ear. He winced slightly, but that was all. "I told you this would happen. He's just a dirty Vampire. A damned animal; a monster. It's not your fault. Those lying bastards fool people all the time." She continued. Ryou tried to block her out. "Well, are you going to help me kill the bastard?" she asked emotionlessly. "I'm sorry that I've acted so weak, Cadelle. Yes; I'll help you." Ryou finally said after a minute of silence. Cadelle gave a grim smile, "Come on." The two of them left the game shop unnoticed.
Kaiser sat beside Marik, tending to his wounds with his tongue. Marik tolerated it while sitting in an almost dazed state. Kaiser purred and lifted his head, "Don't worry about what they'll say or do. They are only humans. They should be ashamed of what they are." Marik nodded mechanically, leaning against Kaiser a bit as if he were some sort of parent figure. Kaiser placed an arm about Marik's shoulders and smirked, ~ A lethal weapon at my disposal with the disposition of a child; a disturbed child, but a child nonetheless. ~
Malik grabbed a coat and headed out the door with his millenium rod in one hand. Odion followed closely behind him as the two went to search for Marik. The millenium rod shimmered softly as it gently tugged Malik toward the location of Marik. The two moved quickly like shadows down the street and into a more desolate area of town. Malik had been suspicious when Marik hadn't returned even after seven at night. Now his gaze darted all over the place as he tried to spy anything out of place.
Ryou and Cadelle traveled in much the same way. Yet they followed the lead of Ryou's millenium ring. Bakura had agreed to assist in finding Marik under the condition that he could kill him. Ryou had successfully compromised and said that if Bakura would help that he would let him slap Marik around a little bit. But the killing was something Ryou felt he had to do since he failed to prevent Marik's berserk behavior.
Malik perked up as he saw something moving up ahead. By this point, Odion and him were near an empty construction site which contained a half finished parking garage. The walls were barely installed and so the structure hung like a large metal skeleton.
Cadelle's sharp gaze caught the two dark forms of Odion and Malik and so she readied her long blade. The two groups came into light and seemed surprised to see each other. "Ryou?" Malik blinked in the moonlight, wondering if he was seeing things correctly. "Malik?" Ryou replied with equal question in his voice. "What are you doing here?" they both asked each other with surprising synchronization. "I'm looking for Marik," Malik replied slowly. He caught the look on Ryou's face, "Were you going to- What has he done?!"
Cadelle answered for him, "Your friend is a monster. He's been attacking people relentlessly. We're here to snuff him out." Malik went wide-eyed, "Ryou?!" Ryou bit his tongue, "Malik, I didn't want to tell you..." Malik's jaw dropped and Odion took the news soundly too. Cadelle looked between the two silenced teens, "Why is this such a big deal? You both can make new friends. This Vampire is no big loss." "I can't," Malik said with a dejected look on his face.
Cadelle perked a brow, "Not social hm? You'll learn to cope, don't worry." Malik shook his head, "No, that's not what I mean!" Odion stepped forward, "Malik is physically and mentally connected to Marik. If you kill one, the other will die. I cannot allow this to progress." Cadelle appeared to be confused, "Ryou, what is he talking about?" Ryou hesitated. "Ryou." Cadelle demanded a reply. Ryou narrowed his eyes and drew a switchblade from his side, "It's nothing you'd understand, Cadelle. And it doesn't matter anyway."
This was a side of Ryou which Cadelle hadn't seen before. "Let's go. I'm not going to sit here and weep over a Vampire and his brethren; are you?" He turned and strode off toward the construction site. Odion moved and stood in front of Ryou who was plainly Bakura at the moment, "I will not let you pass." Bakura smirked, "Good, because I wasn't asking permission." Odion saw the millenium ring around Bakura's neck shimmer slightly. Malik's eyes widened as Odion suddenly collapsed, "Odion!" Cadelle was taken back by this sudden event, but she found herself more pleased with the backbone Ryou was showing. She obviously misunderstood the severity of what had just happened.
Bakura chuckled and glanced at Malik, "Think you can save him from the shadow realm before he's lost?" He stepped around Odion's fallen body and continued on with Cadelle following him. Malik rushed to Odion's side, "Bakura! You'll pay dearly for this!" He dropped down to his knees with tears in his eyes and instantly held his rod over Odion, activating its shadow powers. The millenium eye flared to life on his forehead as he set to work trying to retrieve Odion's spirit.
Marik shifted in Kaiser's hold. The silver-haired Vampire looked down at him and noticed an odd glow emitting from his forehead, "Marik?" Marik felt a strong part of him being willed away into the shadows. Someone had banished Odion to the shadow realm! He sat up with a start and his breathing began to come at an awkward pattern. Kaiser appeared to be in a state of confusion. He prepared to sedate Marik should he become violent toward him, "Are you alright?" His voice was calm and collected as if nothing was wrong.
Marik emitted a low growl and spread his wings. Though one was healing slowly and still injured, his other was still capable and therefore he dove down from his current perch in search of the dark energy which was fast approaching his location. He had a feeling that told him this was who had banished Odion to shadows. Kaiser watched and wondered as Marik flew away.
Bakura smirked as he saw a familiar shaped silhouetted against the moon. "Ryou, do you know how to kill this type of Vampire?" Cadelle asked with a bit of uncertainty. Bakura only nodded, "Why here he comes now. "Marik was in a rage, his eyes were ablaze with moonlight and they even glowed slightly. The eye on his forehead refused to blink. It only glared an angry gold. Marik ceased the motion of his wings and dropped down heavily to the earth. Strange grunting noises were the only greetings he gave to Bakura and Cadelle. He hated both of them. They needed to die.
Marik bared his fangs, winning a priceless smile from Bakura, "Go on, hiss at me all you want. Your brother will be gone forever soon you will be too. And let's not forget your Hikari..." Marik lunged at Bakura and he easily darted aside. Cadelle went her own separate way and only watched, trying to read Bakura for any clues as to what she should do. "Oh my, did that make you mad? That I'm going to KILL your Hikari?" Bakura was taunting Marik now and he was becoming frustrated in return.
"Cadelle was right. You ARE an animal." Bakura laughed which sent rage to its peak and back within Marik's feral mind. "I know how to kill you, Marik, you're not invincible anymore. You see, all I have to do is stick this knife into your heart. Not surprised? I'm aware. But that's because there's a spell to be chanted along with it." Marik growled at Bakura and tried to tackle him again. Bakura took the opportunity and stabbed the enraged Yami. Next, he pushed him to the ground and pinned him, using the millenium ring's abilities to hold him in place. Marik struggled and writhed in agony as dark blood began to leak around the edges of Bakura's knife, but found himself held down soundly.
Bakura began to utter a vanquishing spell in foreign tongue and Marik screeched. Thankfully, this screech wasn't just a sound. It was in fact a sound blast like before. Bakura drew back from Marik and held his head, "Ah!" Marik continued then to squirm and struggled against the soft yellow energy which held him to the ground. Cadelle approached the defenseless Vampire and deliberately drove the knife in his chest deeper. She then took a few scornful slashes at him with her long blade.
As Cadelle prepared to strike Marik once more, she found herself roughly shoved aside. Crashing to the ground, she looked back up at Kaiser who had a smug look on his face. Bakura approached Kaiser who by this point had gained the attention of all present, "Well well. I thought we were only killing one tonight." Kaiser smiled, "Hm. I know. It must be degrading to find that you won't be killing any at all." Both hunters saw the challenge at hand and so they both lunged for the Vampire who dared to stand in their way.
Omfg...Freai. XD Hahaha! Your review! You have no idea how much this made me laugh. And I don't know why either. O-o; I mentioned it at school to a friend. Congrats, you're famous now. Thanks for reading, you're awesome! Not to mention everybody else, so don't feel left out. :)
Freai: o.O Well, that's surprising.
Ryou: I think Marik's an idiot.
Yugi: Agreed.
Malik: (Giving Yugi weird looks) you suggested he suck OUR blood?
Marik: (Sucking blood from neighborhood dog) Hm... What?
Malik: Nothing.
Freai: -_- Well, update soon! I really like this story!
----
Kaiser stood atop a dumpster in as much glory as one could conjure from that position in the back of an alley. His fierce red eyes were trained on Marik who was situated near the opening of the alley. Marik was pinned against the wall and hidden rather well in the shadows. Kaiser smiled to himself as he saw an unsuspecting man start to pass the alley. He seemed also to be in a hurry, but not for long. He watched as Marik slid from the alley, looping an arm around the man's neck from behind and forcing him into the alley. The man gave up quite a fight, first struggling and then trying to force Marik off of him.
Marik shoved the man up against a wall, growling darkly. The man became frightened once he saw Marik's features and tried to yell but found himself latched onto by the long fangs of the Vampire. He struggled less as he lost blood, becoming limp in Marik's grasp. Marik kept his muscles tensed, draining the man eagerly. It took a strong will for him to keep from killing this man. And so when his heart slowed, he nearly didn't stop. His priorities won in the end and he drew back from the man who slumped to the ground.
The man had fallen unconscious and his breathing was shallow, but he'd live. Marik licked the remainder of the blood from his lips and glanced over to Kaiser who beckoned for him to come near. This was the fifth time they had done this tonight and Kaiser was extremely pleased with this newer Vampire, "Well done. I think you'll do just fine. Do you need me to accompany you tomorrow, or will you be fine on your own?" Marik shook his head, "I don't need help." Despite his clean up job, a bit of blood still clung to his face. He was becoming denatured to the killings. Kaiser hopped down from the dumpster, "Let's go, we don't need to stick around."
Malik woke up late again and hurried to get ready for school. He pulled his uniform on and brushed his teeth, skipping breakfast entirely. He passed by Marik's room for the second time that morning and glanced inside. He wondered for a moment why Marik was shirtless but then shook his head and headed out to the garage to start up his bike and get to school before the bell rang.
Ryou waved Malik over in homeroom with a smile. Malik strode over to Ryou and sat beside him, "What's up?" "Nothing very interesting I'm afraid," Ryou replied, "So, did Marik ever tell you why he left yesterday?" Malik shook his head, "No. But he said he'd be hunting animals from now on. I guess that means he'll be ok." Ryou looked relieved, "Oh good. Just remind him to keep out of sight."
Malik heard someone mention his name and glanced over his shoulder to see Joey pointing at him and talking to Duke. Confused, he tilted his head, "What are they saying?" Ryou looked confused as well, "I'm not sure." "I'll go find out," Malik murmured as he walked over to Joey. Duke mentioned that Malik was headed their way and Joey froze. "What's going on?" Malik said as he neared Joey. Joey got up and edged away, "I just remembered! I left somethin' in my locker. See ya!" With that he exited the room. Duke rose and followed him, "I'll uh. Make sure he doesn't get lost, bye."
Malik merely gawked at their sudden departure. He was so surprised that he didn't notice Ryou who had arrived beside him, "Don't worry about them; they're just being weird." Malik was startled by Ryou's sudden appearance but he soon calmed, "But why? People don't normally run off when I come near them." Ryou sighed and pointed over to Yugi who was talking to Tristan and Tea, "Him, that's why. I doubt he meant any harm though." Malik stared at Ryou, taking him by the shoulders and shaking him, "He's told Wheeler! That means he's practically told the whole school about Marik and I'll be socially shunned forever!"
Ryou's eyes rattled a bit as he was shaken, "C-Calm down, Malik." Malik realized what he was doing and so he dropped his arms to his sides. Ryou sighed, "I know you're stressed out, I am too. But just try to ignore them. They don't know anything anyway. Right?" Malik shrugged and walked back to his seat to retrieve his books as the morning bell rang.
The day went by like normal, only this time, Malik could feel eyes on him in every class. He figured that by now, people thought -he- was a Vampire. A group of girls sitting several rows in front of him looked back toward him and made faces, causing him to sink lower into his chair. Ryou heard a faint chuckle in his mind, a reminder that the spirit of the ring was awake and watching, ~ Well this is amusing. The sand rat's a school outcast now. Why don't you stop hanging around with him? You're ruining our image. ~ Ryou shifted in his seat, ~ Because he's my friend. I need to stand by him at all times. I really wish you knew what that was like, Bakura ~
Bakura only laughed, ~ I don't need to know what it's like, Mortal. I need only look at you to see how weak you've become because of it. ~ Ryou disagreed and Bakura knew it, ~ What, you think you're strong? Fine, tell that lie to yourself, I hope it gets you into a lot of trouble my dear Mortal. ~ Ryou ignored Bakura from that point on, focusing on the teacher. He glanced to Malik every now and again who seemed to want to get out of the room as fast as possible.
Malik was all too happy to get out of school. He didn't even stop at his locker. He could tell that there'd be a group of people with questions crowding it. He simply ran out the back door of the school, carrying a handful of books he didn't need. Ryou looked for Malik, but as predicted he couldn't see him anywhere by his locker which was quite crowded. He went to his own locker and retrieved his schoolbag, dumping a few things into it before shutting his locker and heading out of the building.
At some point, while walking home, Ryou heard a motorcycle slowing down. He turned his head toward the street, seeing Malik. He was relieved but at the same time worried for his friend. Malik smiled, "Need a ride?" Ryou smiled in return, "Yea, ok." He walked over to Malik, "Are you alright?" Malik nodded as Ryou climbed onto the bike. Ryou didn't ride with Malik often, but he was glad when he did. Ryou put his arms around Malik's waist with slight discomfort and he held on loosely, blushing a bit. Malik laughed, "It's how you ride a bike; you'll get used to it."
Ryou tightened his grip suddenly as Malik floored it and the bike shot forward. Malik felt Ryou practically clinging to his back and purposely dodged traffic and took sharp turns. Malik cut out in front of a car, and Ryou gasped, "You did that on purpose!" Malik grinned, "Yeah, I did." Ryou started focusing on staying on the bike again, "You're terrible." Of course he didn't mean it. "Don't worry, I won't crash. No walls this time," Malik said with a chuckle in his voice.
When Malik pulled up to Ryou's apartment, he glanced back at Ryou who got off quickly and tried to stand straight without his legs shaking. Malik smirked, "I'm telling you, you'll be fine." Ryou nodded. Malik saw a slight change come over Ryou at that moment, "Never shake this vessel up like that again, sand rat. I'll slit your throat." Malik frowned as he thought of a way to counter Bakura's sudden insult, "Then I'll have Marik bite your's." Bakura looked as if he was at a loss for words, "Hmph..." He turned and headed for the apartment building. "I'll bet you got scared too, Bakura!" Malik yelled after him. Now satisfied, Malik left the apartment and headed home.
Marik saw his bedroom door open. Oh great, who was waking him up now? Malik entered the room and gave Marik an odd look, "How come you were out so late last night? I may have been half asleep, but I certainly know what time it was." Marik forced himself to sit up, despite his not wanting to, "I thought I told you. Hunting animals." Malik perked an eyebrow, "Do a better cleanup job next time." Marik caught the hint and wiped a bit of dried blood from the corner of his mouth.
"Look; I'm tired, Hikari. Can't you leave me be?" Marik pleaded. Malik glanced at the clock, "You've been asleep ALL day." Marik rubbed his eyes, "Yea, so?" Malik rolled his eyes, "Get out of bed. And put a shirt on, I don't want anybody to see those markings." Marik smiled slightly, "I think they're quite fashionable. Not to mention they're like a birth certificate to me. Or maybe it's because you like what you're seeing and can't stand it for much longer." Malik sputtered which made Marik grin, "You... Just put a shirt on!" He turned and left the room, blushing madly. The things his Yami said sometimes...
Malik went to his room, his spirits stirred a little bit by his Yami's antics. But still, the depression of today's events sent him spiraling downward once again as he shut the door behind him and moved to sit at his desk. He snatched up a pencil and stuck it in his mouth horizontally, biting down on it. Folding his arms on the desk, he put his head down and gnawed on the pencil, trying to soothe himself. He closed his eyes and sighed but opened his eyes once again when he felt the pencil snap in half. He spit it out along with a few rogue pieces of wood from the splintered edges of the said pencil.
Malik ran his tongue around the inside of his mouth unconsciously while he fell into some thought. Had this all really been a misunderstanding or was it really Marik's fault that he was in danger? He had vouched for staying behind while he told Malik to get home quick on that night when Cadelle visited Ryou. Why had he done that? And did it really take that long to catch and kill an animal when you had the reflexes of an animal yourself? Malik had so many questions to ask and no one to ask them to.
After a mid-day nap, Malik found that Marik had left the house again. Looking out the window, Malik could tell that his Yami was winged now. He found a note on the kitchen counter that read: Out for a flight. Be back soon. Narrowing his eyes slightly, Malik encountered some suspicion. The last time Marik had said he would be back soon, he was bitten by a Vampire. And why was he risking being seen just so he could fly around? He shrugged the thought off and resolved to watch some television until Odion returned home.
Odion entered a fairly quiet house, hanging up his coat at the door and entering the living room. He found Malik on the couch glued to the television, "Hello, master Malik." Malik didn't answer verbally, he only nodded. Odion then glanced toward the television to see why he was so interested. Malik was tuned into a news station and he seemed very avid about the current story. Moving to sit beside Malik, Odion listened in as a field reporter delivered an urgent message.
"Other related cases have been brought to light as seven more people have been claimed missing. Reports are flooding into 911 dispatchers at rates of two or three a day. Police seem to think that a serial killer is the culprit and advise citizens to carry protection of sort with them at all times. Other advice has been not to walk alone at night. Always travel in groups. And most important of all, if you've seen someone suspicious on the streets, let authorities know immediately. Back to you, Craig."
As the television panned back to a newsroom, Odion looked toward Malik who was now looking toward the window. He got up and walked over to it while being oddly silent. "Master Malik?" Odion questioned as he shut off the television and looked bewildered toward Malik. "I had a thought," Malik said after a moment. Odion walked over to his step brother, "What thought is that?" Odion used a gentle tone since he tread on a careful situation. "Where do you suppose Marik is getting the animals he's supposedly killing?"
Odion thought for a moment, seeing where this was going, "Strays perhaps?" Malik turned and gave Odion a look which told him that he was wrong. And what's more, there was fear in his eyes. Odion relaxed his shoulders, "Master Malik..." Malik looked out the window again, "I think it's him. Those people aren't missing. He got to them. Odion, what do we do?"
Odion heard panic in Malik's voice and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Calm down Malik." Those words soothed Malik now since Odion had dropped his master title. He merely nodded and turned to Odion, hugging him around the waist. Odion embraced his younger brother and gazed out the window himself, worried that Malik's fears were reality.
They fell to the ground just as easily as they walked. These simple humans were no match for his speed and cunning. Ha! Why did they think that running and screaming would help? So what if one or two died because they struggled. At least the breed was spreading. And that was the point, wasn't it? Even more importantly, Malik would be fine.
Marik grinned psychotically to himself as he crouched beside a fallen woman, licking a bit of excess blood from her neck. It didn't matter to him right now just what pain he was causing. He barely even cared that he was killing people. When the thought occurred to him, he emitted a triumphant crow and spread his wings, searching for a new victim. He caught the scent of a potent and familiar energy and so he dove down from the sky, landing atop a building and lying in wait.
Duke, Tea, Joey, Yugi, and Tristan lounged about in the game shop. Joey and Tristan were reading comics on the far wall and Yugi was having a playful duel with Duke. Tea gathered up her things and prepared to leave for the night, "Guys, it's getting pretty dark. I think I'm gonna' head home." Yugi looked over at her and smiled, "I'll walk you home. Let me get my jacket." Tea nodded, "I'll wait outside the shop." With that, she exited the front door while Yugi went to retrieve his jacket.
Yugi pulled on his jacket, finding it slung over a chair behind the counter. He headed back around the counter and passed Duke when he heard a scream from outside, "Tea!" The rest of the gang jumped up and Duke dropped his cards. They all rushed to get outside to see what was going on. Tea found herself pinned to the outer wall of the game shop where a red-eyed monster was trying to attack her. She struggled and yelled for Yugi who dashed out the door to her aide. Tea struggled in vain as the fiend grabbed her by the hair and pushed her head to one side, revealing her neck. She shrieked as fangs were plunged into her sensitive flesh.
Yugi paled at the scene in front of him, "Marik?" Joey and the rest arrived beside Yugi. "Get away from her ya' sick freak!" Joey bellowed. Marik drew back from Tea and growled since being interrupted. Tea's blood coated his fangs and dripped sinisterly from them. He emitted an inhuman growl while releasing Tea who slumped to the ground. She wasn't unconscious, but she was weakened by the sudden bite. The small group backed away as Marik advanced on them. Tristan gulped, "Uh-oh..." Duke yelped as Marik leapt for them. All four of them expected the worst but were confused as Marik was repelled. He staggered backward and snorted, looking beyond the group.
Who should be standing there but Ryou and his partner Cadelle. A certain black pendant around Ryou's neck shone faintly and a hurt expression was painted on his face. Surely this couldn't be Marik he was repelling? But the facial markings on the Vampire told him otherwise. "All of you, get out of here!" Cadelle screeched. She lifted an odd sort of knife from her side. It appeared to be a blade fixed to the end of a three foot wooden staff.
The group cleared the way, watching on as Ryou and Cadelle came upon Marik with force. Marik tried to get away but found a Vampire hunter on either side of him. Cadelle faked a move to Marik's left and he fell for it. She struck and slashed open quite a large cut on Marik left arm. He howled in pain and shied away from her.
He tried to retaliate and found himself repelled once more by Ryou's pendant. Seeing that there was no way to defend himself or fight back, Marik pulled off some fancy footwork of his own. He was nearly free when Cadelle plunged her blade deep into Marik's right wing and pulled her arm down, tearing a hole. Marik then bolted despite his pain and tried to fly, finding it much harder as his right wing failed to catch the wind properly. He left a bloody trail on the ground for several feet before flying off completely, visibly struggling in the air and dropping low several times.
Cadelle panted and wiped Marik's blood spatter from her face. She glanced to Ryou who was at Tea's side. Yugi and the other rushed to Ryou and Yugi knelt near Tea, "Tea? Are you ok?" Worry swelled within his violet eyes as he awaited a reply. Tea slipped unconscious and Yugi panicked. Ryou felt at the left side of her chest, detecting a strong heartbeat, "She's alright. And lucky too. He didn't change her and she's not going to die." Yugi looked faintly relieved, "Joey, let's get her inside and clean her neck up." The taller boy nodded. He and Tristan lifted Tea and entered the game shop once more.
As Tristan, Joey, and Duke watched over Tea, Yugi stayed beside Ryou, questioning him relentlessly, "Ryou? What's going on? Who's this?" He pointed at Cadelle who sneered heartlessly. Ryou blinked, "Yugi, calm down. This is Cadelle. She's a Vampire hunter like me. I'm so glad we got here when we did." Yugi sighed and nodded, looking back over at Tea. He eventually joined Joey, Tristan, and Duke beside her.
Cadelle had her cold gaze on Ryou and he knew why. He turned away from her and looked at the floor. "I told you..." she hissed into his ear. He winced slightly, but that was all. "I told you this would happen. He's just a dirty Vampire. A damned animal; a monster. It's not your fault. Those lying bastards fool people all the time." She continued. Ryou tried to block her out. "Well, are you going to help me kill the bastard?" she asked emotionlessly. "I'm sorry that I've acted so weak, Cadelle. Yes; I'll help you." Ryou finally said after a minute of silence. Cadelle gave a grim smile, "Come on." The two of them left the game shop unnoticed.
Kaiser sat beside Marik, tending to his wounds with his tongue. Marik tolerated it while sitting in an almost dazed state. Kaiser purred and lifted his head, "Don't worry about what they'll say or do. They are only humans. They should be ashamed of what they are." Marik nodded mechanically, leaning against Kaiser a bit as if he were some sort of parent figure. Kaiser placed an arm about Marik's shoulders and smirked, ~ A lethal weapon at my disposal with the disposition of a child; a disturbed child, but a child nonetheless. ~
Malik grabbed a coat and headed out the door with his millenium rod in one hand. Odion followed closely behind him as the two went to search for Marik. The millenium rod shimmered softly as it gently tugged Malik toward the location of Marik. The two moved quickly like shadows down the street and into a more desolate area of town. Malik had been suspicious when Marik hadn't returned even after seven at night. Now his gaze darted all over the place as he tried to spy anything out of place.
Ryou and Cadelle traveled in much the same way. Yet they followed the lead of Ryou's millenium ring. Bakura had agreed to assist in finding Marik under the condition that he could kill him. Ryou had successfully compromised and said that if Bakura would help that he would let him slap Marik around a little bit. But the killing was something Ryou felt he had to do since he failed to prevent Marik's berserk behavior.
Malik perked up as he saw something moving up ahead. By this point, Odion and him were near an empty construction site which contained a half finished parking garage. The walls were barely installed and so the structure hung like a large metal skeleton.
Cadelle's sharp gaze caught the two dark forms of Odion and Malik and so she readied her long blade. The two groups came into light and seemed surprised to see each other. "Ryou?" Malik blinked in the moonlight, wondering if he was seeing things correctly. "Malik?" Ryou replied with equal question in his voice. "What are you doing here?" they both asked each other with surprising synchronization. "I'm looking for Marik," Malik replied slowly. He caught the look on Ryou's face, "Were you going to- What has he done?!"
Cadelle answered for him, "Your friend is a monster. He's been attacking people relentlessly. We're here to snuff him out." Malik went wide-eyed, "Ryou?!" Ryou bit his tongue, "Malik, I didn't want to tell you..." Malik's jaw dropped and Odion took the news soundly too. Cadelle looked between the two silenced teens, "Why is this such a big deal? You both can make new friends. This Vampire is no big loss." "I can't," Malik said with a dejected look on his face.
Cadelle perked a brow, "Not social hm? You'll learn to cope, don't worry." Malik shook his head, "No, that's not what I mean!" Odion stepped forward, "Malik is physically and mentally connected to Marik. If you kill one, the other will die. I cannot allow this to progress." Cadelle appeared to be confused, "Ryou, what is he talking about?" Ryou hesitated. "Ryou." Cadelle demanded a reply. Ryou narrowed his eyes and drew a switchblade from his side, "It's nothing you'd understand, Cadelle. And it doesn't matter anyway."
This was a side of Ryou which Cadelle hadn't seen before. "Let's go. I'm not going to sit here and weep over a Vampire and his brethren; are you?" He turned and strode off toward the construction site. Odion moved and stood in front of Ryou who was plainly Bakura at the moment, "I will not let you pass." Bakura smirked, "Good, because I wasn't asking permission." Odion saw the millenium ring around Bakura's neck shimmer slightly. Malik's eyes widened as Odion suddenly collapsed, "Odion!" Cadelle was taken back by this sudden event, but she found herself more pleased with the backbone Ryou was showing. She obviously misunderstood the severity of what had just happened.
Bakura chuckled and glanced at Malik, "Think you can save him from the shadow realm before he's lost?" He stepped around Odion's fallen body and continued on with Cadelle following him. Malik rushed to Odion's side, "Bakura! You'll pay dearly for this!" He dropped down to his knees with tears in his eyes and instantly held his rod over Odion, activating its shadow powers. The millenium eye flared to life on his forehead as he set to work trying to retrieve Odion's spirit.
Marik shifted in Kaiser's hold. The silver-haired Vampire looked down at him and noticed an odd glow emitting from his forehead, "Marik?" Marik felt a strong part of him being willed away into the shadows. Someone had banished Odion to the shadow realm! He sat up with a start and his breathing began to come at an awkward pattern. Kaiser appeared to be in a state of confusion. He prepared to sedate Marik should he become violent toward him, "Are you alright?" His voice was calm and collected as if nothing was wrong.
Marik emitted a low growl and spread his wings. Though one was healing slowly and still injured, his other was still capable and therefore he dove down from his current perch in search of the dark energy which was fast approaching his location. He had a feeling that told him this was who had banished Odion to shadows. Kaiser watched and wondered as Marik flew away.
Bakura smirked as he saw a familiar shaped silhouetted against the moon. "Ryou, do you know how to kill this type of Vampire?" Cadelle asked with a bit of uncertainty. Bakura only nodded, "Why here he comes now. "Marik was in a rage, his eyes were ablaze with moonlight and they even glowed slightly. The eye on his forehead refused to blink. It only glared an angry gold. Marik ceased the motion of his wings and dropped down heavily to the earth. Strange grunting noises were the only greetings he gave to Bakura and Cadelle. He hated both of them. They needed to die.
Marik bared his fangs, winning a priceless smile from Bakura, "Go on, hiss at me all you want. Your brother will be gone forever soon you will be too. And let's not forget your Hikari..." Marik lunged at Bakura and he easily darted aside. Cadelle went her own separate way and only watched, trying to read Bakura for any clues as to what she should do. "Oh my, did that make you mad? That I'm going to KILL your Hikari?" Bakura was taunting Marik now and he was becoming frustrated in return.
"Cadelle was right. You ARE an animal." Bakura laughed which sent rage to its peak and back within Marik's feral mind. "I know how to kill you, Marik, you're not invincible anymore. You see, all I have to do is stick this knife into your heart. Not surprised? I'm aware. But that's because there's a spell to be chanted along with it." Marik growled at Bakura and tried to tackle him again. Bakura took the opportunity and stabbed the enraged Yami. Next, he pushed him to the ground and pinned him, using the millenium ring's abilities to hold him in place. Marik struggled and writhed in agony as dark blood began to leak around the edges of Bakura's knife, but found himself held down soundly.
Bakura began to utter a vanquishing spell in foreign tongue and Marik screeched. Thankfully, this screech wasn't just a sound. It was in fact a sound blast like before. Bakura drew back from Marik and held his head, "Ah!" Marik continued then to squirm and struggled against the soft yellow energy which held him to the ground. Cadelle approached the defenseless Vampire and deliberately drove the knife in his chest deeper. She then took a few scornful slashes at him with her long blade.
As Cadelle prepared to strike Marik once more, she found herself roughly shoved aside. Crashing to the ground, she looked back up at Kaiser who had a smug look on his face. Bakura approached Kaiser who by this point had gained the attention of all present, "Well well. I thought we were only killing one tonight." Kaiser smiled, "Hm. I know. It must be degrading to find that you won't be killing any at all." Both hunters saw the challenge at hand and so they both lunged for the Vampire who dared to stand in their way.