Lofl. This one's a good chapter. Marik does a little bit of persuasion work
that gets Kaiser in his lap...Literally. XD Malik seems a little distant
towards Marik doesn't he? I wonder if those two will ever make things right
again... Beware: KISSING x) Oh well. It's all good stuff.
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Ryou kept an eye on Marik as he and Malik accompanied him on his mission. Noticing that he kept his gaze on the ground rather than where he was going, Ryou spoke up, "Keep your head up, you'll run into something..." Marik jerked his gaze up from the ground and glanced at Ryou, "Yes, I know that." Malik sighed in frustration, "Not to be annoying, but how are we going to find this Kaiser guy?" Ryou held up his millenium item with one hand, "I can detect with this since I've met with Kaiser before." Malik nodded and they continued in silence.
It had been awhile since the trio had left Malik's house. They'd stopped by Ryou's apartment for the proper Vampire vanquishing equipment and discussed some things for a good hour or so before carrying on from there. Ryou glanced to his watch, supposing it was around Marik's transformation point. Indeed, he was right. Marik had under ten minutes and they were still in plain view, "Um...Marik?" The Vampire held up a hand, "Yea, I know." Marik glanced about and eventually decided on relocating himself beside a row of hedges.
Malik folded his arms, "Does it hurt him when he does this?" Ryou shrugged while watching Marik, "I suppose so. Judging by the way he screams... But it's not like he can help it." Malik shrugged, "Maybe he can and hasn't tried. I wish he'd hurry up..." Ryou blinked and looked at Malik, "I know you're having a hard time caring about this. But you chose to come." "Yea, I know," Malik said passively.
Up until now, Marik had been able to tolerate the pain in his chest, but he felt the additional discomfort of his transformation coming over him and as hard as he tried to keep silent, he whimpered. He bit his tongue, refusing to appear inferior in front of his Hikari. He felt a burning pain in his shoulder blades, yet this time, they slashed at nothing but air. Realizing that the wings were a daily occurrence caused Marik to decide on wearing a previously torn shirt. His wings rose from his back, poking out above the bushes. As his fangs pulled down from his upper jaw, he jerked suddenly at a sharp pain emitting from the wound in his chest. This caused the fangs to put a small cut in his lower lip.
When all was said and done, Marik folded his wings as small as they would become and shakily stood, returning to Ryou and Malik. Thankfully it had gotten darker earlier tonight. Marik only had to worry about his shadow and streetlamps. Ryou noticed the small trickle of red from Marik's mouth, "Are you alright?" He nodded, "Mm-hm. Let's go. I don't want to waste more of your time than I have to." Marik started walking again before either of them could respond. Ryou sighed and caught up with him, "You're not wasting our time..."
The millenium ring rose from Ryou's chest and started tugging him off in another direction, "Gah! Ok, I think we've got him." Malik blinked at the event but followed his friend. Marik tagged along, tempted to lag behind. When the ring finally stopped leading Ryou, the three found themselves in a local park. Marik narrowed his eyes at the unwelcome sight that lay ahead. Kaiser sat on a bench reading a book with his wings casually resting on the back of the bench. Ryou handed Marik his switchblade figuring it would be more effective than a stake.
Marik approached Kaiser silently and stealthily even though he knew he would be heard. As Kaiser turned a page, he smiled, "Nation shall not raise sword against nation. And they shall not learn war anymore; for the mouth of the lord hath spoken." As he ended the quote, he lifted his head, "A sound suggestion; don't you agree?" Marik glanced at the book in Kaiser's hands; it was the bible. He sneered slightly and paused before his sire. Kaiser shut the bible and set it beside him, "Just stop before you're hurt."
Marik frowned, "I'm afraid hurt isn't the worst that can happen to someone like us... And I don't intend to just hurt you." Kaiser chuckled, "Yes, I'm aware. You want to kill me to free your soul and all of that whimsical nonsense." He waved his hand dismissively, "It's not worth getting yourself killed over humanity. Besides, I like you. Don't do this to me, Marik." Marik shut the switch blade in his hand and sighed, placing it in his pocket. Kaiser smirked, "That's better. I'm glad you see how fruitless this all is. I'll bet your "friends" put you up to this?" He motioned for Marik to sit beside him.
Marik surprisingly accepted, sitting next to Kaiser without a thought. Kaiser felt that he had control over him once more. Malik's jaw dropped, "W- what? What is he doing?!" Ryou placed a hand over Malik's mouth, "Sh!" Malik tore his hand away and dropped his voice to a whisper, "Traitor!" Ryou shook his head, "No, he subsided too fast. I know what he's doing. Come on." He led Malik toward Kaiser but made certain they maintained a proper distance. Both boys snuck around behind the two Vampires with painstaking silence.
"I'm sorry. I'm just very confused..." Marik produced an apology which Kaiser nodded to. "That's alright. I understand. People can be manipulative. You have to learn that," Kaiser explained. His gaze dropped to Marik's bandaged wounds, "Were you attacked or did they force you to do that?" Marik frowned, "They attacked me as soon as I went to them for help. I got away though... I don't know who I should listen to, Kaiser. Obviously not them." Kaiser moved a tad closer to Marik, "You can confide in me. I will never betray you."
Kaiser put a hand to Marik's cheek, caressing it gently, "You've been starving yourself again?" "I don't want to be killed. I'm afraid to hunt..." Marik said quietly while slightly leaning into Kaiser's touch. Kaiser placed an arm behind Marik, placing his hand on Marik's right side and holding him against himself, "You don't need to be. I'll protect you. Marik choked down the need to swat Kaiser away, "Ok..." Marik hesitated and then began to pet Kaiser's hair, "I'm sorry I doubted you."
Kaiser smiled, satisfied with Marik's behavior, "As long as you don't doubt me now, all is well." Kaiser crossed his legs in a feminine fashion, leaning against Marik and resting his head on his shoulder, "We should go hunting together, you and I. Then I'll take you home. It's obvious you can't stay with your former friends..." Marik could tell Kaiser was hitting on him. Hell, the guy probably thought Marik was already his. Marik played into these actions in order to pull off something important, "I'd like that." Marik could swear Kaiser had giggled at that, "Good! Why don't we get going then?" Kaiser stood and turned to Marik, offering him his hand.
Marik accepted the gesture, allowing Kaiser to help him to his feet. Marik quickly ran a plan through his mind before putting it into motion. He didn't release Kaiser's hand. Instead, he quickly dodged behind him and grabbed his other wrist, pulling his arms behind his back. Kaiser tried to jerk away, emitting a surprised grunt, "What are you doing?!" Marik gave no reply, instead, he tried to figure out how he would be able to handle a knife and keep Kaiser captive at the same time. The two moved around a little bit, mostly because of Kaiser's struggling. Kaiser began to beat his wings, slapping Marik in the face and scraping against his impalement wound. Marik then kneed Kaiser in the lower back, causing him to become preoccupied for a minute.
Marik released his hold of one of Kaiser's arms to retrieve Ryou's switchblade. Kaiser spun around and knocked the blade free from Marik's hand. It skittered off into the shadows, leaving Marik practically unarmed. Kaiser then lifted his right leg and kicked Marik in the midsection, wrenching his arm free from his grasp. Marik doubled over with a hurt whine. Kaiser charged at him again and brought down a fist on the base of his neck. Marik dropped to his knees with force, trying to regain a sense of direction in order to get away. Kaiser didn't give him any time to do so; he simply sent a sharp kick to his chin. Marik's head snapped backward, sending his whole body sprawling to the ground. He groaned weakly, staring up at the sky with blurred vision.
Marik shook his head and used his hand to crab crawl backwards, away from Kaiser. Kaiser shook his head, "This is pointless, I don't want to have to keep hurting you..." Marik's eyes slowly came back into focus and narrowed on Kaiser. He scrambled off of the ground and leapt at Kaiser, tackling him to the ground. The pair rolled over a concrete walkway, briefly illuminated by a street lamp. When they paused, Marik was atop Kaiser. The blonde leaned down and bit Kaiser's neck. Kaiser, who was quick to recover, skull bashed Marik and pushed him off of his body. Marik retreated and got to his feet, breathing heavily.
Kaiser huffed and swept his wings in semi circles, getting some lift before moving to a horizontal style. Marik hissed and followed him, taking their fight into the air. Ryou and Malik rushed to the scene, struggling to see the two in the night sky. Marik bared his fangs at Kaiser and his eyes flashed visibly against the blackened sky. Kaiser frowned; he'd made the decision to kill Marik. It was a shame; he was so beautiful. But no matter, another Vampire could just as easily be made. In his fit of rage, Marik barely noticed the throbbing at his fingertips. When he finally acknowledged the feeling, he brought a hand to his face and watched as slender black claws, about an inch and a half in length, took the place of his fingernails.
Kaiser realized the ability Marik had tapped and so mimicked him. He too brought on a fine set of claws and dove at Marik, preparing to slash him apart. Marik guided himself toward Kaiser as well, straining his wings for speed. The two collided and slashed at each other simultaneously. Shredded clothing and flesh sent a mixture of blood and cloth drifting down toward the ground. The close combat ended as soon as it had begun and the two separated. Yet it wasn't long before they dove at each other again. From the ground, they looked like two feral animals locked in a territorial death match.
When they weren't clawing each other's eyes out, the Vampires were flinging screeches and curse words at each other. Kaiser smirked, flashing his pearly fangs, "Come at me again weakling, you've done NO damage!" Marik lunged for Kaiser again, sending a fury of swipes upon Kaiser which ranged from his face to his arms to his midsection. Kaiser returned the attack with an all out catfight. The two swiped and hissed and grunted while twirling about in the air. Inconsistencies in their flight patterns sent them plummeting several times. Again, one such occasion occurred.
Marik dropped down toward the ground and leveled off before becoming tangled in a tree, hitting its uppermost branches with his wingtips as he struggled to climb higher into the air. Kaiser dove down after him, attacking him harshly with his tattered wings. Indeed, even their wings were not spared from this battle. Several times, Kaiser had managed to put his claws into Marik's wings and now there were visible pieces missing from each. Down below, Malik and Ryou searched for the missing switchblade in hopes that they could somehow get it to Marik in time.
Marik pivoted in mid-air and latched onto Kaiser, ceasing the movement of his wings. Kaiser yelped in surprised. Even he could not support this sudden addition of weight and so they both traveled downward. Marik moved swiftly to try and position the fall so that Kaiser would take the brunt of it. They struggled as they fell and in the end, it was Kaiser who's back collided with the grassy ground first. Marik collapsed on top of him and they continued to fight upon the ground like cats. Ryou produced something shiny from the ground, "I've found it!" Malik looked toward the sound of grunting and shredding, "Come on, let's hurry! Marik's got him on the ground!" Both Ryou and Malik jogged off toward the source of the noises. They found the two Vampires clawing at each other and biting each other savagely.
"Marik!" Ryou called to the blonde Vampire. He briefly glanced over at Ryou and that mistake was punished by Kaiser sinking his fangs into his shoulder. Marik shrieked and tried to pry Kaiser off of him. Ryou tossed the switchblade to Marik. It hit the ground blade first near the two fighters. They both made a mad dash for it and Marik got there first, his bloodied digits curling around its hilt and wrenching it free from the ground. Malik spied the claws on Marik's hand and gasped softly Ryou's millenium ring shone dimly as he tried to generate an energy field around the Vampires. This would prevent either from leaving the immediate area.
Kaiser tried to fend Marik off, but he found himself pinned by the dominant tomb keeper. Marik straddled Kaiser and held his chest down with one clawed hand. With his other, he drew back the switchblade and thrust it into Kaiser's chest. Kaiser cried out and tried to screech in Marik's face. Marik acted quickly and covered Kaiser's mouth with his hand. He then laid down on him to keep him still as he began to mutter a dark incantation, "Verachten Sie Ihr Gesicht zum Teufel und ertrinken Sie in der Sünde..." Kaiser struggled and writhed underneath Marik like a madman, but still the psychotic Egyptian held him in place.
"Seien für Ewigkeit verdammt Sie und leiden Sie unter Ihren Verbrechen. Mit diesen Wörtern schramme ich Sie und für Sie läuten die Todesglocken," Marik continued consistently. He saw pain mounting in Kaiser's eyes as black letters began to creep across his flesh. The words of the spell along with others were etching themselves painfully in Kaiser's skin and he made the suffering known. Marik released Kaiser's mouth, granting him the mercy of screaming. This Kaiser did almost eagerly.
As blistering pain rattled Kaiser's nerves he emitted an agonized cry which Marik answered only with more words, "Begraben Sie Ihren Körper in den Schatten, in denen Sie sein möchten. Zerreißen Sie aus Ihren Augen heftig, damit Sie nicht sehen können. Bluten Sie aus dem ganzem Blut, das Sie überhaupt abließen. Geben Sie uns Ihre tattered und getrübte Seele. Lassen Sie lose die Jagdhunde der Hölle nach Ihrer Leiche. Lassen Sie nichts aber Asche in Ihrem Gedächtnis!" The black lettering started to overlap itself. It covered Kaiser from head to foot, swarming in his eyes and coating his hair. Through his open mouth, Marik could even spy words forming along the inside of his mouth and on his tongue.
"Mein eigenes Blut, das ich glaube, wird geronnen. Ich stehe in Ihrer Anwesenheit und wende an Stein. Verdammen Sie Sie für immer und für immer wieder. Sehen Sie, wie er glaubt, um allein zu sein," Marik took on a sadistic expression and Kaiser's eyes went wide, "Bluten Sie Vampire, Blutung!" Marik leaned down and whispered into Kaiser's ear, "Und jetzt kommen Sie... um." Kaiser's screams dispersed into the cold air as his body shattered into wispy strands of black as they were devoured by the night.
Marik gave a satisfied smirk as Kaiser's presence left him utterly. He rose to his knees, taking the switchblade in one hand and closing it. Standing, he approached Ryou and Malik. However, at his second step, he dropped down to one knee and took his right arm into his left hand. He looked down in horror to find that black words were crawling up his wrist from his hand. And they burned! "W-what?! Ryou!?" Malik looked confusedly at Ryou, "What's happening to him?!" Bakura smiled, "He just set off a trigger to his own suicide..." Marik may have glared at Bakura but he was overwhelmed by the increasing pain which now started to sway his entire body.
He began to emit choked sounds of discomfort and these soon elevated to all out shrieks of pain. "What are you talking about?!" Malik marched up to Bakura. Bakura folded his arms and smiled, "He chanted a Vampire vanquishing spell. And that fool previously stabbed himself. And so by reciting that spell and being a Vampire, he's practically killed himself." Malik's jaw dropped at the look of satisfaction on his face as he looked over toward the suffering Marik. He even chuckled a little, that bastard!
"BAKURA!!!" Marik shrieked as he toppled over on one side. Bakura let the energy shield surrounding Marik subside and he walked over to him, grinning, "What?" Marik struggled with his pain for some time before he could look up at Bakura. Bakura faltered slightly as he saw Marik's pleading eyes being consumed by black text. The writing washed over his face, distorting it with shadows, "Bakura... Please help me...." "Why are you asking me? I'd rather see you dead than alive. After all, you -are- a Vampire," Bakura pointed out. Malik dropped weakly to his knees. He felt weak all of a sudden. It was as if his life energy was being drained away as his Yami suffered. This didn't happen before. Had they become more connected since last time?
As the Vampire in him began to die alongside his human body, Marik's eyes started to become lavender again beneath crisscrossed black streaks. Bakura's expression softened slightly and he found himself mystified again by those eyes. When Marik turned his head and screamed, Bakura knew he'd never see those eyes again if he didn't act fast. He dropped down to one knee beside Marik and placed a hand on his shoulder. The millenium ring shone briefly and Marik's breathing came easier. The searing pain in his body began to fade and he lay there, still tense under Bakura's hand.
Bakura looked over Marik's now completely black flesh and realized how close he had come to losing him. But now he didn't know why he stopped. Marik's claws began to withdraw into his fingertips and his wings slid across the ground as they retreated into his back. Marik stared straight ahead, his pupils now only pin pricks in his eyes. Though his heart was healed internally earlier, he still had surface wounds to contend with. Slowly, the words upon Marik's body began to fade away. Bakura moved his hand to Marik's chin and turned his head in order to see his face. Marik's eyes gradually regained a normal appearance as they caught a glimpse of Bakura.
Malik caught his breath and stared over at his Yami and Bakura. He was clueless as to what Bakura had just done, but he knew it was something good. "Do you hate me..?" Bakura asked quietly. Marik gazed up into Bakura's soft brown eyes. They seemed to have lost their icy edge, "No... I love you..." Marik went limp in Bakura's hold as he passed out from hunger pangs, stress, and fatigue. Malik's eyes widened far past their normal range. He felt a blush flourishing on his face. His Yami was in love with Bakura? Of all people? This led him to wonder about Ryou, but right now, the topic at hand was too shocking. The tomb robber blinked in surprise, feeling a blush rising upon his own face. He glanced back at Malik and felt uneasy for the first time in a long while.
Bakura looked back down at the former Vampire. He scolded himself internally as he took Marik into his arms and lifted him up off the ground, "I suppose I owe you an apology..." Malik got shakily to his feet and glared at Bakura, "What are you doing with him?" Bakura looked down at the unconscious body in his arms, "I'll take him home to you..." Malik fell silent and stared at Bakura. Only when Bakura started walking did he make any motion at all. He staggered after him at first but then kept a pretty good pace up.
Marik woke up to the feeling of someone dabbing at his chest with a damp cloth. He opened his eyes wearily to see Bakura sitting beside him, tending to his wounds. After arguing with Malik for some time, he'd been able to persuade him that he should be the one to treat Marik. Marik blushed madly and looked aside. He didn't know how Bakura felt about him caring for him on such a level. Maybe he wanted to distance himself now and this was just some act of pity. "You've been bleeding a lot. Are you...alright?" Bakura asked hesitantly. "Tired..." Marik said simply. Bakura nodded and rewet his cloth in a bowl of water on a table nearby before removing some more crimson fluid from Marik's body.
"I thought about what you said, Marik," Bakura said quietly. Marik looked at Bakura, his blush fading but still visible, "It's ok if you don't...Like me in return..." Bakura brushed Marik's bangs out of his face, "Well..." Marik closed his eyes, "I'm sorry I said anything." Marik felt Bakura shift, "Bakura, what are you do-Mmph!" Marik opened his eyes to find the tomb robber locking lips with him.
----
Ryou kept an eye on Marik as he and Malik accompanied him on his mission. Noticing that he kept his gaze on the ground rather than where he was going, Ryou spoke up, "Keep your head up, you'll run into something..." Marik jerked his gaze up from the ground and glanced at Ryou, "Yes, I know that." Malik sighed in frustration, "Not to be annoying, but how are we going to find this Kaiser guy?" Ryou held up his millenium item with one hand, "I can detect with this since I've met with Kaiser before." Malik nodded and they continued in silence.
It had been awhile since the trio had left Malik's house. They'd stopped by Ryou's apartment for the proper Vampire vanquishing equipment and discussed some things for a good hour or so before carrying on from there. Ryou glanced to his watch, supposing it was around Marik's transformation point. Indeed, he was right. Marik had under ten minutes and they were still in plain view, "Um...Marik?" The Vampire held up a hand, "Yea, I know." Marik glanced about and eventually decided on relocating himself beside a row of hedges.
Malik folded his arms, "Does it hurt him when he does this?" Ryou shrugged while watching Marik, "I suppose so. Judging by the way he screams... But it's not like he can help it." Malik shrugged, "Maybe he can and hasn't tried. I wish he'd hurry up..." Ryou blinked and looked at Malik, "I know you're having a hard time caring about this. But you chose to come." "Yea, I know," Malik said passively.
Up until now, Marik had been able to tolerate the pain in his chest, but he felt the additional discomfort of his transformation coming over him and as hard as he tried to keep silent, he whimpered. He bit his tongue, refusing to appear inferior in front of his Hikari. He felt a burning pain in his shoulder blades, yet this time, they slashed at nothing but air. Realizing that the wings were a daily occurrence caused Marik to decide on wearing a previously torn shirt. His wings rose from his back, poking out above the bushes. As his fangs pulled down from his upper jaw, he jerked suddenly at a sharp pain emitting from the wound in his chest. This caused the fangs to put a small cut in his lower lip.
When all was said and done, Marik folded his wings as small as they would become and shakily stood, returning to Ryou and Malik. Thankfully it had gotten darker earlier tonight. Marik only had to worry about his shadow and streetlamps. Ryou noticed the small trickle of red from Marik's mouth, "Are you alright?" He nodded, "Mm-hm. Let's go. I don't want to waste more of your time than I have to." Marik started walking again before either of them could respond. Ryou sighed and caught up with him, "You're not wasting our time..."
The millenium ring rose from Ryou's chest and started tugging him off in another direction, "Gah! Ok, I think we've got him." Malik blinked at the event but followed his friend. Marik tagged along, tempted to lag behind. When the ring finally stopped leading Ryou, the three found themselves in a local park. Marik narrowed his eyes at the unwelcome sight that lay ahead. Kaiser sat on a bench reading a book with his wings casually resting on the back of the bench. Ryou handed Marik his switchblade figuring it would be more effective than a stake.
Marik approached Kaiser silently and stealthily even though he knew he would be heard. As Kaiser turned a page, he smiled, "Nation shall not raise sword against nation. And they shall not learn war anymore; for the mouth of the lord hath spoken." As he ended the quote, he lifted his head, "A sound suggestion; don't you agree?" Marik glanced at the book in Kaiser's hands; it was the bible. He sneered slightly and paused before his sire. Kaiser shut the bible and set it beside him, "Just stop before you're hurt."
Marik frowned, "I'm afraid hurt isn't the worst that can happen to someone like us... And I don't intend to just hurt you." Kaiser chuckled, "Yes, I'm aware. You want to kill me to free your soul and all of that whimsical nonsense." He waved his hand dismissively, "It's not worth getting yourself killed over humanity. Besides, I like you. Don't do this to me, Marik." Marik shut the switch blade in his hand and sighed, placing it in his pocket. Kaiser smirked, "That's better. I'm glad you see how fruitless this all is. I'll bet your "friends" put you up to this?" He motioned for Marik to sit beside him.
Marik surprisingly accepted, sitting next to Kaiser without a thought. Kaiser felt that he had control over him once more. Malik's jaw dropped, "W- what? What is he doing?!" Ryou placed a hand over Malik's mouth, "Sh!" Malik tore his hand away and dropped his voice to a whisper, "Traitor!" Ryou shook his head, "No, he subsided too fast. I know what he's doing. Come on." He led Malik toward Kaiser but made certain they maintained a proper distance. Both boys snuck around behind the two Vampires with painstaking silence.
"I'm sorry. I'm just very confused..." Marik produced an apology which Kaiser nodded to. "That's alright. I understand. People can be manipulative. You have to learn that," Kaiser explained. His gaze dropped to Marik's bandaged wounds, "Were you attacked or did they force you to do that?" Marik frowned, "They attacked me as soon as I went to them for help. I got away though... I don't know who I should listen to, Kaiser. Obviously not them." Kaiser moved a tad closer to Marik, "You can confide in me. I will never betray you."
Kaiser put a hand to Marik's cheek, caressing it gently, "You've been starving yourself again?" "I don't want to be killed. I'm afraid to hunt..." Marik said quietly while slightly leaning into Kaiser's touch. Kaiser placed an arm behind Marik, placing his hand on Marik's right side and holding him against himself, "You don't need to be. I'll protect you. Marik choked down the need to swat Kaiser away, "Ok..." Marik hesitated and then began to pet Kaiser's hair, "I'm sorry I doubted you."
Kaiser smiled, satisfied with Marik's behavior, "As long as you don't doubt me now, all is well." Kaiser crossed his legs in a feminine fashion, leaning against Marik and resting his head on his shoulder, "We should go hunting together, you and I. Then I'll take you home. It's obvious you can't stay with your former friends..." Marik could tell Kaiser was hitting on him. Hell, the guy probably thought Marik was already his. Marik played into these actions in order to pull off something important, "I'd like that." Marik could swear Kaiser had giggled at that, "Good! Why don't we get going then?" Kaiser stood and turned to Marik, offering him his hand.
Marik accepted the gesture, allowing Kaiser to help him to his feet. Marik quickly ran a plan through his mind before putting it into motion. He didn't release Kaiser's hand. Instead, he quickly dodged behind him and grabbed his other wrist, pulling his arms behind his back. Kaiser tried to jerk away, emitting a surprised grunt, "What are you doing?!" Marik gave no reply, instead, he tried to figure out how he would be able to handle a knife and keep Kaiser captive at the same time. The two moved around a little bit, mostly because of Kaiser's struggling. Kaiser began to beat his wings, slapping Marik in the face and scraping against his impalement wound. Marik then kneed Kaiser in the lower back, causing him to become preoccupied for a minute.
Marik released his hold of one of Kaiser's arms to retrieve Ryou's switchblade. Kaiser spun around and knocked the blade free from Marik's hand. It skittered off into the shadows, leaving Marik practically unarmed. Kaiser then lifted his right leg and kicked Marik in the midsection, wrenching his arm free from his grasp. Marik doubled over with a hurt whine. Kaiser charged at him again and brought down a fist on the base of his neck. Marik dropped to his knees with force, trying to regain a sense of direction in order to get away. Kaiser didn't give him any time to do so; he simply sent a sharp kick to his chin. Marik's head snapped backward, sending his whole body sprawling to the ground. He groaned weakly, staring up at the sky with blurred vision.
Marik shook his head and used his hand to crab crawl backwards, away from Kaiser. Kaiser shook his head, "This is pointless, I don't want to have to keep hurting you..." Marik's eyes slowly came back into focus and narrowed on Kaiser. He scrambled off of the ground and leapt at Kaiser, tackling him to the ground. The pair rolled over a concrete walkway, briefly illuminated by a street lamp. When they paused, Marik was atop Kaiser. The blonde leaned down and bit Kaiser's neck. Kaiser, who was quick to recover, skull bashed Marik and pushed him off of his body. Marik retreated and got to his feet, breathing heavily.
Kaiser huffed and swept his wings in semi circles, getting some lift before moving to a horizontal style. Marik hissed and followed him, taking their fight into the air. Ryou and Malik rushed to the scene, struggling to see the two in the night sky. Marik bared his fangs at Kaiser and his eyes flashed visibly against the blackened sky. Kaiser frowned; he'd made the decision to kill Marik. It was a shame; he was so beautiful. But no matter, another Vampire could just as easily be made. In his fit of rage, Marik barely noticed the throbbing at his fingertips. When he finally acknowledged the feeling, he brought a hand to his face and watched as slender black claws, about an inch and a half in length, took the place of his fingernails.
Kaiser realized the ability Marik had tapped and so mimicked him. He too brought on a fine set of claws and dove at Marik, preparing to slash him apart. Marik guided himself toward Kaiser as well, straining his wings for speed. The two collided and slashed at each other simultaneously. Shredded clothing and flesh sent a mixture of blood and cloth drifting down toward the ground. The close combat ended as soon as it had begun and the two separated. Yet it wasn't long before they dove at each other again. From the ground, they looked like two feral animals locked in a territorial death match.
When they weren't clawing each other's eyes out, the Vampires were flinging screeches and curse words at each other. Kaiser smirked, flashing his pearly fangs, "Come at me again weakling, you've done NO damage!" Marik lunged for Kaiser again, sending a fury of swipes upon Kaiser which ranged from his face to his arms to his midsection. Kaiser returned the attack with an all out catfight. The two swiped and hissed and grunted while twirling about in the air. Inconsistencies in their flight patterns sent them plummeting several times. Again, one such occasion occurred.
Marik dropped down toward the ground and leveled off before becoming tangled in a tree, hitting its uppermost branches with his wingtips as he struggled to climb higher into the air. Kaiser dove down after him, attacking him harshly with his tattered wings. Indeed, even their wings were not spared from this battle. Several times, Kaiser had managed to put his claws into Marik's wings and now there were visible pieces missing from each. Down below, Malik and Ryou searched for the missing switchblade in hopes that they could somehow get it to Marik in time.
Marik pivoted in mid-air and latched onto Kaiser, ceasing the movement of his wings. Kaiser yelped in surprised. Even he could not support this sudden addition of weight and so they both traveled downward. Marik moved swiftly to try and position the fall so that Kaiser would take the brunt of it. They struggled as they fell and in the end, it was Kaiser who's back collided with the grassy ground first. Marik collapsed on top of him and they continued to fight upon the ground like cats. Ryou produced something shiny from the ground, "I've found it!" Malik looked toward the sound of grunting and shredding, "Come on, let's hurry! Marik's got him on the ground!" Both Ryou and Malik jogged off toward the source of the noises. They found the two Vampires clawing at each other and biting each other savagely.
"Marik!" Ryou called to the blonde Vampire. He briefly glanced over at Ryou and that mistake was punished by Kaiser sinking his fangs into his shoulder. Marik shrieked and tried to pry Kaiser off of him. Ryou tossed the switchblade to Marik. It hit the ground blade first near the two fighters. They both made a mad dash for it and Marik got there first, his bloodied digits curling around its hilt and wrenching it free from the ground. Malik spied the claws on Marik's hand and gasped softly Ryou's millenium ring shone dimly as he tried to generate an energy field around the Vampires. This would prevent either from leaving the immediate area.
Kaiser tried to fend Marik off, but he found himself pinned by the dominant tomb keeper. Marik straddled Kaiser and held his chest down with one clawed hand. With his other, he drew back the switchblade and thrust it into Kaiser's chest. Kaiser cried out and tried to screech in Marik's face. Marik acted quickly and covered Kaiser's mouth with his hand. He then laid down on him to keep him still as he began to mutter a dark incantation, "Verachten Sie Ihr Gesicht zum Teufel und ertrinken Sie in der Sünde..." Kaiser struggled and writhed underneath Marik like a madman, but still the psychotic Egyptian held him in place.
"Seien für Ewigkeit verdammt Sie und leiden Sie unter Ihren Verbrechen. Mit diesen Wörtern schramme ich Sie und für Sie läuten die Todesglocken," Marik continued consistently. He saw pain mounting in Kaiser's eyes as black letters began to creep across his flesh. The words of the spell along with others were etching themselves painfully in Kaiser's skin and he made the suffering known. Marik released Kaiser's mouth, granting him the mercy of screaming. This Kaiser did almost eagerly.
As blistering pain rattled Kaiser's nerves he emitted an agonized cry which Marik answered only with more words, "Begraben Sie Ihren Körper in den Schatten, in denen Sie sein möchten. Zerreißen Sie aus Ihren Augen heftig, damit Sie nicht sehen können. Bluten Sie aus dem ganzem Blut, das Sie überhaupt abließen. Geben Sie uns Ihre tattered und getrübte Seele. Lassen Sie lose die Jagdhunde der Hölle nach Ihrer Leiche. Lassen Sie nichts aber Asche in Ihrem Gedächtnis!" The black lettering started to overlap itself. It covered Kaiser from head to foot, swarming in his eyes and coating his hair. Through his open mouth, Marik could even spy words forming along the inside of his mouth and on his tongue.
"Mein eigenes Blut, das ich glaube, wird geronnen. Ich stehe in Ihrer Anwesenheit und wende an Stein. Verdammen Sie Sie für immer und für immer wieder. Sehen Sie, wie er glaubt, um allein zu sein," Marik took on a sadistic expression and Kaiser's eyes went wide, "Bluten Sie Vampire, Blutung!" Marik leaned down and whispered into Kaiser's ear, "Und jetzt kommen Sie... um." Kaiser's screams dispersed into the cold air as his body shattered into wispy strands of black as they were devoured by the night.
Marik gave a satisfied smirk as Kaiser's presence left him utterly. He rose to his knees, taking the switchblade in one hand and closing it. Standing, he approached Ryou and Malik. However, at his second step, he dropped down to one knee and took his right arm into his left hand. He looked down in horror to find that black words were crawling up his wrist from his hand. And they burned! "W-what?! Ryou!?" Malik looked confusedly at Ryou, "What's happening to him?!" Bakura smiled, "He just set off a trigger to his own suicide..." Marik may have glared at Bakura but he was overwhelmed by the increasing pain which now started to sway his entire body.
He began to emit choked sounds of discomfort and these soon elevated to all out shrieks of pain. "What are you talking about?!" Malik marched up to Bakura. Bakura folded his arms and smiled, "He chanted a Vampire vanquishing spell. And that fool previously stabbed himself. And so by reciting that spell and being a Vampire, he's practically killed himself." Malik's jaw dropped at the look of satisfaction on his face as he looked over toward the suffering Marik. He even chuckled a little, that bastard!
"BAKURA!!!" Marik shrieked as he toppled over on one side. Bakura let the energy shield surrounding Marik subside and he walked over to him, grinning, "What?" Marik struggled with his pain for some time before he could look up at Bakura. Bakura faltered slightly as he saw Marik's pleading eyes being consumed by black text. The writing washed over his face, distorting it with shadows, "Bakura... Please help me...." "Why are you asking me? I'd rather see you dead than alive. After all, you -are- a Vampire," Bakura pointed out. Malik dropped weakly to his knees. He felt weak all of a sudden. It was as if his life energy was being drained away as his Yami suffered. This didn't happen before. Had they become more connected since last time?
As the Vampire in him began to die alongside his human body, Marik's eyes started to become lavender again beneath crisscrossed black streaks. Bakura's expression softened slightly and he found himself mystified again by those eyes. When Marik turned his head and screamed, Bakura knew he'd never see those eyes again if he didn't act fast. He dropped down to one knee beside Marik and placed a hand on his shoulder. The millenium ring shone briefly and Marik's breathing came easier. The searing pain in his body began to fade and he lay there, still tense under Bakura's hand.
Bakura looked over Marik's now completely black flesh and realized how close he had come to losing him. But now he didn't know why he stopped. Marik's claws began to withdraw into his fingertips and his wings slid across the ground as they retreated into his back. Marik stared straight ahead, his pupils now only pin pricks in his eyes. Though his heart was healed internally earlier, he still had surface wounds to contend with. Slowly, the words upon Marik's body began to fade away. Bakura moved his hand to Marik's chin and turned his head in order to see his face. Marik's eyes gradually regained a normal appearance as they caught a glimpse of Bakura.
Malik caught his breath and stared over at his Yami and Bakura. He was clueless as to what Bakura had just done, but he knew it was something good. "Do you hate me..?" Bakura asked quietly. Marik gazed up into Bakura's soft brown eyes. They seemed to have lost their icy edge, "No... I love you..." Marik went limp in Bakura's hold as he passed out from hunger pangs, stress, and fatigue. Malik's eyes widened far past their normal range. He felt a blush flourishing on his face. His Yami was in love with Bakura? Of all people? This led him to wonder about Ryou, but right now, the topic at hand was too shocking. The tomb robber blinked in surprise, feeling a blush rising upon his own face. He glanced back at Malik and felt uneasy for the first time in a long while.
Bakura looked back down at the former Vampire. He scolded himself internally as he took Marik into his arms and lifted him up off the ground, "I suppose I owe you an apology..." Malik got shakily to his feet and glared at Bakura, "What are you doing with him?" Bakura looked down at the unconscious body in his arms, "I'll take him home to you..." Malik fell silent and stared at Bakura. Only when Bakura started walking did he make any motion at all. He staggered after him at first but then kept a pretty good pace up.
Marik woke up to the feeling of someone dabbing at his chest with a damp cloth. He opened his eyes wearily to see Bakura sitting beside him, tending to his wounds. After arguing with Malik for some time, he'd been able to persuade him that he should be the one to treat Marik. Marik blushed madly and looked aside. He didn't know how Bakura felt about him caring for him on such a level. Maybe he wanted to distance himself now and this was just some act of pity. "You've been bleeding a lot. Are you...alright?" Bakura asked hesitantly. "Tired..." Marik said simply. Bakura nodded and rewet his cloth in a bowl of water on a table nearby before removing some more crimson fluid from Marik's body.
"I thought about what you said, Marik," Bakura said quietly. Marik looked at Bakura, his blush fading but still visible, "It's ok if you don't...Like me in return..." Bakura brushed Marik's bangs out of his face, "Well..." Marik closed his eyes, "I'm sorry I said anything." Marik felt Bakura shift, "Bakura, what are you do-Mmph!" Marik opened his eyes to find the tomb robber locking lips with him.