Whoa, the forecast shows long chapters ahead. Prepare and get out your many words umbrella.

THANK YOU. For those of you who explained all that shipping stuff, thanks. I didn't think so many of you would explain it. Now I'm good, and as thanks not only to you, but also to those read and reviewed, here's the next chapter a day early.

Chapter 7: The Truth and Nothing But

Ryou stood silently, awaiting Marik's explanation. Bakura stood close by, equally curious. This was something they had both wanted to find out and the air was almost thick with everyone's apprehension.

"First," Marik said. "Follow me."

And that is what they did. No words were spoken as they descended the stairs back to the hidden conurbation and Marik dismissed all the lavender-clad followers who looked ready to attack Bakura.

Everyone else was inside his or her dwelling, watching from the door or other place that provided prospect but no one dared to happen into Marik's sight.

Soon they were in the shadowed part of the city and Marik was leading them into the small place where Malik lay ailing.

Bakura gasped and rushed to Malik's side. Malik's breathing was unsteady and his forehead was damp with sweat.

Turning a vicious gaze upon Marik, Bakura said, "This is all your fault, shadow dealer."

Marik said nothing, only narrowed his gaze. "I did not bring you here to have you disparage me." Crossing his arms, he began.

"Malik and I used to be the best of friends. There was a time when I would've given anything to save his life...a time when he meant more to me than life itself. But, before I continue that story, I must tell you another. There was once a beautiful sorceress born who had the power of darkness at her dispense. Instead of using that power though, she decided that she would be a good person and not hurt other people. Then one day, she fell in love and the man loved her and took care of her...until he realized that she was with child...his child. He left her immediately and the sorceress, heartbroken, killed him...and eventually would kill herself, but not before she did one thing..."

Bakura shook his head. "Is there a point to this story?"

"Actually there is. The sorceress gave birth to me. I grew up alone, until Malik befriended me. He had run away from his fate- the fate of being a tomb keeper. We helped each other and such, but we still lived on barely enough to survive. I had known of my powers, and being young and ignorant, I wanted to use them. So I did.

"I never killed anyone, only temporarily disabled them, or placed them in a deep sleep, and it wasn't long until I had made a name for myself: Marik- the shadow dealer. Malik had never truly approved of my ways, but he stayed by my side as a loyal friend. I was wanted for my actions and I knew it dangerous for Malik to stay by me any longer, but he came up with a plan- make a secret hideaway. Granted, it was not an easy task...but I eventually created the place that we are all in now. I gathered followers and such, but then their families had to come along, and then the families of those families came, and soon, anyone who had no place to go came as well. Malik said that I was doing a good thing by letting everyone stay...so I did. But...Malik was showing signs that our companionship wasn't meant to be.

"He started to ask if he could leave for a few days, saying he missed the outside, but I refused it. I knew of the dangers of the world and I didn't want Malik to be susceptible to them. Then his asking became frequent so I tried to find some way to keep him here and did the only thing I could think of- I introduced him to a woman."

Ryou gasped. "Meera," he barely whispered. It was all making sense.

"Yes, Meera. She loved him with all her heart, and Malik seemed to care about her as well, so I insisted they become husband and wife. They agreed. Malik began asking once again if he could leave and I thought that by now it wouldn't have mattered because he had Meera to keep him from leaving forever...so I let him go. He eventually did return, but things were never the same between him and Meera. He seemed to have his mind on something, or someone else. Meera told me she'd noticed a change in his behavior, like he wasn't interested in her anymore, but before I could question Malik about it, he asked me to call the marriage off. I couldn't bring myself to say no. Then, Malik asked if he could leave one more time... I said yes, not knowing I might never see him alive again.

"Malik left once again, and didn't return for a long time. I kept hope, but then I received horrible news from an outside source: Malik had been captured and mistaken for me, then Pharaoh Yami questioned him on my whereabouts and when Malik told him, Yami killed him without a second thought. I was devastated. Malik was the person I cared most about in the whole world, and to have him ripped away from me...I did the only thing I could- I made a deal with Ra. I would've never normally made a pact with Ra, but I felt it as my only chance. I told him that I'd give him my soul in exchange for Malik's life, and he agreed…but only on one condition: I could never see Malik again. I accepted his terms but I was never truly sure whether Malik was alive or not and I couldn't stand to wait- so I left the hideout to find him.

"When I did...I was shocked to find him with you, Bakura. I couldn't believe he had ratted me out to the Pharaoh and had risked everything to be with you only to die. While you slept soundly, we argued and I demanded he come back with me. He strictly refused telling me he wanted to spend his life with the person he really loved, not just someone he was arranged to love. It angered me that he would want to be with such a person as you, and I was blinded by my anger and so I forcefully took him back. He said he'd never forgive me for what I did and I accepted his hatred. As soon as we entered the hideout, he collapsed. I was unsure what had happened, until I'd realized what I'd done: I'd gone against Ra's word. Ra's light came to me not long after that and he told me that because I had broken the oath, Malik would die as a result."

Bakura stood up and glared. "This is your Ra-damn fault! If you hadn't broken the oath-!"

"Bakura," Ryou said quietly, placing a hand on his arm, "Please, just let him finish."

Marik sighed. "So Malik's illness was my fault, but that wasn't all that happened. I swore that I would have my revenge on Yami somehow, and Ra cursed my soul placing this glowing eye upon my forehead. He said it would remain until my grudge upon Yami was gone. Everyday I am forced to watch Malik slip farther and farther into the darkness... and it's all my fault."

Bakura glowered. "Then if Ryou healed him, he'd be going against Ra's wishes."

"Exactly, and I don't want to drag anyone else into this mess." Lowering his head he said tiredly, "Especially not Ryou."

Ryou looked at Malik who slept quietly in the bed. "It's my duty to help people in need. I wouldn't be going against Ra's wishes."

"You're not still thinking about healing him, are you?" Bakura asked unbelievingly.

"No he's not," Marik said forcefully.

"Well, I'm leaving here with Ryou then."

"You wouldn't dare-"

"Why should I leave empty handed because of a mistake you made?"

"Malik would've never left if he hadn't met you!"

"Well, it seems he would've left anyway if he betrayed you to the Pharaoh!"

"How dare you say that!"

"How dare you cause all of this!"

"STOP IT!" Ryou yelled, and the two fell silent. "Bakura...I can't leave here with you... I have to stay with Marik...But, Marik, I can't leave Malik the way he is. I have to heal him. If I die, so be it. Such is a healer's fate."

Marik went to take a step forward, but Bakura placed a hand in front of him. "I don't think there's not a power in Egypt that could stop him."

Ryou kneeled beside the bed. You know nothing. You're just some insignificant little healer. Where were you all those years ago? He had to show Marik he was wrong. Taking ahold of Malik's hands, he closed his eyes letting everyone else disappear. Ryou's body was encased in bright light but when he tried to transfer the light on Malik, a strange barrier stopped him. He would have to try harder if he wanted to break through Ra's power.

Ryou…

Ryou opened his eyes and through the darkness he could see an almost blinding golden light. "Ra..." Quickly, he bowed his head in reverence to the powerful god.

Raise your head, Ryou.

Ryou complied looking back to the yellow luminosity.

Why do you go against my wishes, Ryou?

Ryou looked at Malik's body, then back to Ra. "I have to. It's the power you entrusted in me, Ra, to help people in need."

It was also the power I bestowed upon Malik to make him fall ill. You knew that, yet you still went against me. Why?

"Please understand Lord," Ryou pleaded. "If Malik dies, what will it prove? He was caught in the middle of a tragedy. Why should he have to suffer?"

Are you saying Marik should suffer instead?

"No! Marik has suffered enough. Every day he's watched Malik die slowly. Don't you think he's learned his lesson?"

Ryou...you are such an innocent child. If you can overcome my power...then I will allow Malik to be free. But there will not be a happy ending for you here...

"...I know."

Farewell, my child.

The light flashed brightly, then dissipated, spiraling downward into Malik's body.

Almost immediately, Ryou felt something trying to fight back. The illness had a strong hold on Malik, and it didn't want to let go, and fighting against Ra was not going to prove to be easy. Ryou searched the lining of Malik's consciousness for any break in the barrier, but there were none. Pushing lightly on the obstruction, he found it to be almost error-proof.

A wave of fatigue brushed over Ryou, and for a moment, he swayed, blackness threatening to take over, but he quickly regained his strength and continued. The only thing he could do was search for a soft spot in the barrier. Going over it again softly, he was about to give up hope when he found what he was looking for. It was small, but weak nonetheless. Using all of his power, he pushed until he felt it crack, then crumble sending a ripple of waves over the wall until it was destroyed.

With his final weak effort, he sent his healing power onto Malik and through his fading sight, watched it disappear into his body.

When Ryou opened his eyes, he felt as though he had had the first peaceful sleep in days. His mind was clear, nothing hurt, and he was happy. Trying to move was a different story. His muscles began to ache, and his body felt stiff.

"You're finally awake," someone said.

Ryou turned toward the source and blinked. "Bakura? You're here?"

Bakura took a step closer to him. "Why wouldn't I be? I was practically forced to stay."

"Forced? By whom?"

"By me," another voice said.

Ryou watched as the person joined Bakura's side.

"Hello Ryou," the person said.

Ryou took a moment to take in whom he saw. "Malik?"

"Yes," he said and smiled. "Thank you for saving me."

"That's why I'm here-"

"I don't happen to agree with that," Malik interrupted. "I think you're here for more important reasons."

"But I was kidnapped...I didn't purposely-"

"I didn't mean it like that. I meant that you being brought here wasn't just coincidence."

"You mean like...it was fate?"

Malik smiled. "Yeah, but don't tell Marik that."

"Why?"

"He doesn't believe in fate."

"That's probably the only similarity between us," Bakura said suddenly. "It's all pish posh if you ask me."

Ryou sat up and stretched, the blanket falling down to his waist. "No one...fought, did they?"

"No, but I practically had to hold both of them back," Malik said.

"How long have I been out?"

Malik tapped his finger on his chin, and then said simply, "About four days."

"FOUR?"

"Yes, and I've never seen Marik so worried...moping around like an injured scorpion."

"More like an injured idiot if you ask me," Bakura mumbled. That earned him an elbow jab from Malik.

"You obviously didn't see him when you were sick," Ryou pointed out.

"Hm, but this time, it was different. This time the relationship was different."

Ryou raised a brow. "Relationship? But we're not-"

"I'd hardly call four kisses nothing. It's definitely a relationship of sorts."

Ryou felt his face go red. "Oh...you...know...?"

Malik laughed. "Of course I know. The whole city does."

"But it wasn't like anything happened!"

"He kissed you," Malik pointed out.

"And four times, I might once again add," Bakura said.

Ryou exhaled noisily and pulled back the sheets and stood. It felt good to be out of bed after being in it for so long. "Where is Marik anyways?"

Malik shrugged. "He left not long before you awoke. He's been with you ever since then...I wonder what made him leave."

"Isn't it obvious?" Bakura asked, his arms crossed. "He sensed Ryou awaking and didn't want to be here when he did."

"But that makes no sense. Wouldn't he want to be here when Ryou awoke?"

"It makes a lot of sense when you're talking about Marik. He wouldn't want Ryou to think he cared about him."

"True." Turning to Ryou, Malik said, "You should've seen him when you passed out. We all thought that you were dead. I'll never forget his face."

Ryou asked sarcastically, "Was he smiling?"

"No...For the first time in all the time I've known him...he looked sad."

Ryou froze focusing an unbelievable stare on Malik, but Malik had been serious. But, why would Marik care whether or not Ryou was dead or alive? "I'll be back," he said, rushing out the door.

"Well that was unexpected."

Bakura snaked his arms around Malik's waist. "Finally. Alone time-"

"Let's follow him."

Ryou rushed out the doorframe and was blinded temporarily by the unexpected light causing him to lose his footing and fall. Thankfully though, he felt someone catch him and steady him. He had been feeling strangely dizzy lately. More than usual. Allowing his eyes to adjust, it took merely seconds to realize who had helped him.

"Marik."

"Ryou. You should be in bed."

"That's all?"

"What else did you expect?" Marik asked, his lilac eyes narrowing. "It's not like we're together. Right?"

Ryou stared up at him confused and panicky, unsure of what to say.

"Don't give me that look, Ryou," Marik said, turning away from him. "Why did you do it?"

Ryou shook his head. "Do what?"

"Why did you heal Malik? I thought that when you passed out, you were dead. You even told us you would die. So why did you do it?"

Ryou couldn't tell if there was hurt, anger, or a mixture of both in Marik's voice. "I...I had to prove to you...that I wasn't just some insignificant little healer…"

Marik paused, his brows furrowing. Turning, he faced a scrupulous gaze upon the ivory-haired healer.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt," Malik said, walking out with Bakura in tow. "We have to be leaving now."

Marik and Ryou both turned to them and Ryou asked, "Couldn't you stay?"

Bakura snorted and Malik slapped him. "We'd love to, but Bakura's a free spirit...and so am I."

Ryou smiled. "I understand. Goodbye Malik, and Bakura as well."

Bakura simply nodded and Malik waved and smiled. "Farewell. I'm really glad to have met you, Ryou. Thank you for saving my life."

"It was my pleasure."

"Malik wait!" a voice called.

Everyone turned and Ryou was surprised at who was approaching them.

"Oh...It's Meera," Malik said.

Bakura narrowed his gaze. "Meera?" Quickly, he grabbed ahold of Malik's hand and yanked him to his side.

Meera stood before the two, a kind smile upon her face. "It's really good to see you again, Malik. I'm so glad you're safe."

Malik returned the smile. "It's good to see you're in health as well."

Bakura cleared his throat and narrowed his gaze. "I'm glad he's safe too."

Meera, who had barely even noticed Bakura, looked immediately at their linked hands and acknowledgment spread across her face. "You're him..."

Ryou wasn't sure what she was going to do.

"That's right," Bakura said, an evil grin spreading across his face. "I'm the one who stole Malik from you."

Meera took a deep breath, then embraced Bakura happily. "It's so great to finally meet you! To think that Bakura, the famous thief, was the man of his dreams all along..."

Malik swallowed hard and flushed. "Please don't say it like that..."

Bakura's eyes were wide when she pulled back. "What kind of people did you say lived here, Malik? Insane-?" Malik kicked him and he shut it.

"Here," Meera said, holding out a basket. "It's some foods I put together for you two. It should last a few days."

Malik accepted it with thanks. "You're the best."

Bakura glared.

"-Er, second best."

Marik glared.

"Ok third! Let's get going, Bakura."

Bakura nodded and they both made their way to the exit, but before they reached it, Malik stopped and turned around to face Marik.

"Marik, there's one thing I want you to know."

"What?" Marik asked.

"I was killed because I never told the truth about you. I would never betray you...I never did then, and I never would now..."

Marik sighed. "You do know that things will never truly be the same between us now that you're going with him."

Malik smiled sadly. "Yeah. That's why I'm leaving... So long."

Marik watched calmly as Malik turned and left, disappearing with Bakura up the steps.

Outside, the sun was setting and Ryou barely noticed that Meera had left, leaving him alone with Marik.

Ryou opened his mouth to say something, but stopped as Marik turned facing an unreadable gaze upon him. Then gingerly he placed a finger under Ryou's chin, tilting his face up, and placed a soft, chaste kiss upon his lips. As quickly as it had happened, Marik had pulled away leaving Ryou withdrawn.

"I have to go," Marik said simply. "Go see Meera for your dinner. She'll be expecting you."

That was all he said before leaving.

Ryou went to Meera and ate his fill, and it wasn't long before he received message that Marik wanted to see him in his room. Meera reapplied the kohl to his eyes a little extra and Ryou couldn't help but feel like an experimental doll. After saying his goodbyes and thanks to Meera, he left for Marik's place. By that time, night had fallen leaving only the moon to brighten his way and a few random torches placed here and there.

He reached his destination, walking through the entrance and down the hall to Marik's bedroom. He had to stop before entering though. He felt edgy and nervous and he wasn't sure why. Placing a hand over his chest, he felt his heart beating like crazy. What was the deal?

Then it hit him.

He liked Marik. He actually liked Marik. HOW in Ra's name did he let that happen?

This was crazy. Marik was an evil human being who heedlessly ended human lives. Well, maybe he did have a reason, but- NO! He was not actually thinking like that...

I suppose it's inevitable then…you've fallen for him...

Ryou ran a hand over his face. He was not going to let this affect him. He was going to walk right into that room and face Marik like nothing had changed.

Standing up straight and gathering all his courage, he walked quietly into the dark chamber.

"Yes-?"

Ryou froze. The chamber looked almost completely changed. The dark tapestries were still strung throughout it but accompanying them were many lit candles spread out among the room. Then Ryou's eyes fell on the figure sitting on the bed. The room was dark, cast in shadows, and the flames' light dancing upon the other occupant's skin. Marik sat quietly, almost elegantly, with a floor-length robe on that barely brushed the ground. He had a somber gaze upon his face but it didn't stop him from being insanely attractive.

Ryou cleared his throat and prayed his flush was invisible in the dimness. "Yes Marik?"

"Are you feeling any better?" he asked simply.

"Yes, quite."

"That's good... Come here," he said simply, beckoning him with a finger.

Ryou complied and was almost drawn to him like a magnet. Soon he was standing in front of him awaiting his response. Marik's hands came up to rest on the healer's hips and Ryou's breath caught in his throat. For some strange reason though...he couldn't focus on anything but Marik's face. The dark kohl lines that accented his beautiful eyes were made even lovelier with the small glitter of gold that surrounded them.

Marik stood, his height towering over Ryou, and for some reason, Ryou shivered at their closeness. How easy would it have been to just lean up and claim Marik's lips with his own?

Oh Ra, too easy.

Ryou hesitantly took step back, brown eyes locked on violet ones, just in case his body decided to do something on its own.

Marik's eyes were doing some traveling of their own. Ryou looked absolutely exquisite; the darkness of his eyes mixed with their confusion gave him an exotic look... like prey that had been captured. Moreover, Ryou had changed into a simple white sarong with a plain white chemise that gave him a refined, if not delectable look.

Ryou paused as the space between them slowly diminished and he noticed Marik leaning closer to him. Marik was going to kiss him again; however, Ryou wasn't going to stop him.

Their lips had to have been seconds away from touching when there was a strange cough at the door.

Marik looked at the guard, who stood at the door, as though nothing had happened between them. "Yes?"

Ryou wasn't sure why, but he was hurt that Marik could act so suave after such a serious moment. Sitting down on the bed, he leaned back resting his head on his arms.

The guard bowed. "Master Marik, everything is secure in the city. All is well."

Marik nodded. "Thank you. You're dismissed."

The guard left, once again leaving the duo alone.

Marik took a seat on the bed beside Ryou. "Are you tired?"

"No, I was asleep for four days after all," Ryou pointed out.

"That's true."

"Marik..." Ryou said suddenly. "You were willing to let Malik die so I wouldn't get hurt...Why?"

Marik's face held a grave yet calculating expression. "I'm not sure." Facing Ryou, he said, "You are a dangerous person, Ryou. You can manipulate the mind of anyone around you with just an innocent look. I'm not sure why you were saddled with such a horrible gift."

Ryou sat up, ivory waves spilling over his shoulders. "I don't mean to-"

Marik forced him back, his hands on Ryou's shoulders securing him in place. "I don't know what I'm going to do with you..." he said, focusing scrupulous eyes upon Ryou's small frame. "Although, I know what I want to do..."

Ryou's eyes widened. He knew what he meant, and oh Ra, he was so close again! Was he doing this on purpose or something? Marik's warm breath tingled his lips they were so close. A few sandy bangs even tickled his cheek. With both of them in such a position, Ryou could hardly control what he did next. He kissed Marik.

It was a simple kiss, but in its simplicity was complexity and complication. Petal-soft skin brushed skin. Marik pulled back, his brow elevated, and a mischievous smirk was upon his face. "Well, well, what was that for?"

Ryou felt his face flush and he struggled with words. "I-I'm sorry-"

Marik raised a brow and said, "Don't be."

Leaning down, he engulfed Ryou lips with his own, feeling them part in shock and allowing his invasive tongue to enter, tasting the familiar flavor he had longed for since the desert. Both pairs of eyes fluttered shut allowing ardor to guide them. Oh Ra, he had longed for it. Every day and night he had dreamed about the lips that had haunted him since their first kiss, and he would have them now. Heaven help the poor soul if anyone interrupted them.

Ryou met Marik's kiss with ambiguity. He wasn't going to lie. He had wanted this as well, to some extent, and he wasn't sure how far he was willing to go. And oh gods, Marik was kissing him like he had in the bath leaving Ryou senseless and like putty in his hands.

One of Marik's hands skimmed around Ryou's back and the other slid around the healer's neck, embracing him in a passionate clasp. Expertly, he used one of his feet to kick off one sandal, and then slid the other one off the same way. Pulling back, he trailed wet hot kisses from Ryou's lips to his jaw, and then to his tender throat where he nibbled lightly then sucked.

Ryou bit his lips at the contact, throwing his head back and arching slightly. Wasn't there something he was supposed to remember? Wasn't there something that made this wrong? Oh yes, the small fact of the matter about Marik thieving him from the palace.

Well, all reason-be-damned. Ryou's mind was spinning in a mixture of pleasure and contentment and nothing could have made it wrong.

Marik's hands pulled Ryou's shirt off, tossing it idly to the side, and the smooth milky skin beneath was exposed. Ryou trembled slightly at the chill in the air and Marik pulled the satiny sheets up over them just enough. It was night after all but the coolness could barely be felt with the amount of heat radiating between the two bodies. Crushing their lips together once again, the fervent duel of tongues commenced.

Ryou's fingers raked through Marik's hair and idly he reveled in its surprisingly soft texture. Everything seemed to be idly happening. Everything seemed to be perfect...and Ryou waited for something to go wrong. Something always went wrong when things were going Ryou's way. He always waited for that instance in which he would be thrust into darkness once more.

But that instance did not come.

Marik pulled lazily at Ryou's sarong, eventually discarding it beside the bed. Ryou helped him remove the plush robe, revealing Marik's deeply tanned upper body. Marik was truly a beautiful creature himself, but he had a more dangerous and wild attractiveness. Once the robe was out of the picture, as well as any other meddling clothes, the two took pleasure in the warmth of each other, as well as the sheets that were entangled with their bodies.

Marik removed his hand from its place at Ryou's waist and it slid across his stomach unintentionally causing Ryou to giggle childishly. Pulling back, Marik couldn't help a smile of his own from spreading athwart his face.

"Ryou, you are such an fascinating person," he said.

Ryou smiled and ran his fingers lightly over Marik's eyes then finally settling them on his lips.

"What are you doing?" Marik inquired, slightly confused.

Ryou simply beamed happily. "I'm memorizing you so I never forget."

By Ra, did Ryou know how sexy he was when he smiled like that?! Marik did, and he wasted no time in claiming that smile for himself. That soft skin parted once again for him, almost as if by instinct, and Marik almost drowned in Ryou's beauty. While in a heated lip-lock, he struggled to pull them both farther onto the bed but it was so damn hard! How was he supposed to concentrate on one task that wasn't even very important, and perform another task at the same time?

Self-control-be-damned. In one quick motion, Marik rose onto his knees and pushed them both farther up. In the moment, one of Marik's knees accidentally snaked between Ryou's and brushed his groin causing the said youth to let out a small whimper. Marik then settled gently between Ryou's legs, hearing instantly the sharp intake of breath from the one beneath him.

Ok, this was to be expected.

Ryou opened his mouth to speak, but Marik placed a silencing finger upon his bruised lips.

"I know..." Marik said. "Your power?"

Ryou averted his gaze and Marik didn't even have to ask to know it meant yes.

"Ryou..." Marik said cautiously, "Your power, though it is a wonderful gift, is also a horrible blight. You, an innocent and good person, should not have to live with it any longer."

Ryou's eyebrows knitted together and confusion flashed in his eyes. "What are you saying?"

"I want to be the one to free you from your curse. Let me set you free tonight. If you wish me not to, you need only speak the word. It is up to you."

Ryou was shocked. Up until now, Marik had practically threatened him to do everything. Now he finally had the chance to make his own choice?

Freedom...

Oh gods, the word sounded wonderful. How glorious it would be to be unchained from his duty... and Marik was actually giving him this chance... a chance no one had ever offered him before.

Locking eyes with him he noddedslowly and said "Yes. I want it to be you."

Marik grinned sadistically. "You better be glad you said yes. Do you know how hard it was to set up all these candles?"

Ryou laughed. "They're wonderful. Why did you set them up, anyways?"

Marik rolled his eyes. "I had to create the "perfect setting", according to that crap you said in the dessert."

"I said, a beautiful setting."

Marik shrugged. "I figured that if you were here, it would be beautiful. Plus, I care about you...you care about me-"

"Who said that?" Ryou asked, smiling.

Marik flashed a dubious grin then kissed him once more before taking ahold of a small clay bowl that sat on a table beside the bed. Ryou could faintly smell the scent of spiced oil coming from the container. Dipping his hand in the liquid, he sat the jar back on the table and coated his arousal accordingly.

Repositioning himself between Ryou's legs, he said, "I'm not going to lie to you... this is not going to be pleasant at first. I swear to you though, I'll be gentle, but even so, there's not a power in this world that could stop it from hurting."

Ryou nodded his head, feeling that familiar jittery feeling settle in. Who wouldn't be nervous? But, for some reason, at this moment, Ryou trusted Marik...trusted him more than he had trusted anyone in his life.

Marik entered him in one swift thrust, clamping his hand over Ryou's mouth to muffle the scream that followed. Ryou's face was buried in his neck and his hands wrapped tightly around Marik's chest. Marik tried his best to stay still, knowing every small movement would cause Ryou more pain. When Ryou's crying ceased, he pulled back to look Ryou in the eyes.

"Are you okay?"

Ryou tried his best to put on a smile. "You weren't lying... That did hurt."

"Do you want me to stop?"

Ryou shook his head quickly. "No... Don't stop."

Marik pulled back, then thrust into him again; this time Ryou recovered more quickly. The pain was almost unbearable at first, like fire scratching his back and again and again Marik entered the small boy, until they had a set rhythm.

Ryou's cries changed from ones of pain to those of pleasure. His nails raked across Marik's back, no doubt drawing red lines, and by now they were both glimmering with sweat. Just barely, he could feel something inside him lessening; something that was like a fading light in darkness, but his mind was drawn from that as he felt himself nearing release.

Marik was close as well. Ryou felt so frail in his arms, almost as though he might break. It was strange too; Marik thought that he might break Ryou if he wasn't careful.

When Marik hit that one spot with the perfect amount of force, that was all it took. Ryou came, a shuddered whisper escaping his lips, and his muscles clamped down on Marik who came moments later. Marik collapsed onto Ryou, his breath coming in short gasps, and when he finally regained himself, he lifted himself up to stare intently into his eyes and without any warning at all, he kissed his fingertips then brushed them over the golden eye on his forehead, and then softly dragged them down Ryou's shoulder. Ryou immediately felt a strange cold chill followed by welcoming warmness and when he looked at his bare shoulder where Marik had touched, he gasped.

An eye matching that upon Marik was now marking his pale flesh, though, this one was slightly smaller and black. It looked to be some sort of tattoo.

"This marks you as mine," Marik whispered. "So long as it is upon you, you belong to me." He rolled over and lay beside Ryou, an arm securely around the ivory-haired boy's waist.

Ryou turned slightly, noticing that Marik's eyes were already closed and he very well may have been asleep. It felt good to have Marik holding him, even if it was just for one night. Leaning lightly on Marik's chest, Ryou draped one arm across his stomach and felt at peace. Fatigue was calling Ryou as well; his body ached and needed rest. Strangely though, Ryou felt happy. As his eyelids slowly fluttered closed, he realized faintly one important thing:

He was no longer a healer.

---TBC---

I don't know, I liked this chapter, but it's hard to write tasteful lemon, and this wasn't really supposed to be very sexual, but more of a beautiful act between them because of the whole ultimate liberation thing. Be happy though, long chapter.

AmethystRoze