Yugi: Yep… And she saw LOTSA yaoi stuff.
Ari: Yes, I did. It was fun-fun. I'll tell you if you IM me. ^_^ I'm in a hurry to upload this.
Yugi: Right…
Ari: So, disclaimer… Hmmmm, who… Ah! Good idea. KIIIIII!
Kijutsu: O_o Meeee? Fine. Ari does not own Yu-Gi-Oh or any of its characters. This story is YAOI. YxY, BxR, SxJ. She does, however, own me, and the poem/song/thing in the middle of this chapter.
Ari: *glomps* Thanks, Ki. Anyway, yes… This chappy doesn't have much SxJ, though. But it's working on the plot. The next two chappies, also, will be mostly YxY and BxR. *thinks* Ummmmmm, what else…
Yugi: Stories…
Ari: Oh yea. ^_^ I'm starting an original fic. It's yaoi. *nod nod* So, wait for it. It'll be on my fictionpress thing. Dunno what it'll be called yet. There's also a Yami no Matsuei fic that I'm writing. I'll finish it soon. It's short. It'll be up soon. It's called "Falling Sakura Blossoms."
Yugi: Right… Now, onto the fic! Oh yea, and this one is particularly long. ^^;
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chapter 4Entrapped
The days seemed to fly by for Yugi and his friends, as they settled into their new environments and busied themselves with new routines. Soon, so soon that it seemed as if no time had passed at all, it was time for Yugi's Christmas dance, Ryou's dreaded party, and Seto's spectacular party the next day. School was coming to an end, albeit a temporary one, and many students' hearts were cheered. Caught in the swirling maelstrom of holiday spirits, Yugi forgot, if only for this moment, his worries, and enjoyed the winter cheer.
"How do I look?" Yugi asked anxiously, tugging on the spirit's arm.
Yami smiled. "You look wonderful."
Yugi pouted. "Aw, Yami-Chan, you didn't even look. How do would you know? I could be wearing nothing."
And you would look wonderful like that, Yami thought, a half-smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "I saw you put on clothes, Aibou. You're wearing a dark blue shirt and dark jeans, and you look great, as alwa— WOAH!" As Yami turned, his face developed a stunned look. The boy wore a shimmering, close-knit black tank top that hugged his slim body, glowing violet as it caught the light. The spirit's eyes widened as he realized that his Aibou's legs were, in fact, encased in smooth, shining leather. Yugi did not just look wonderful. He was downright gorgeous.
The boy hesitated. Was Yami's reaction good or bad? Did he like the outfit? "Yami-Chan?"
Ruby eyes held his own amethyst. There was a passionate light in the crimson depth that was almost scary. Lost in the moment, Yugi almost missed his yami's assessment, the whispered words, "You're the most gorgeous creature on earth."
Yugi blushed at this comment, suddenly aware of how close Yami stood, how heat flowed through their clothes in waves of pleasure. An insuppressible joy floated at the edge of his consciousness. Yami had complemented him! "And you look even better, Yami-Chan. You look like… I don't know, some wonderful angel from a myth." Too beautiful to be real…
"Well, then, fair, uh… Aibou," Yami announced, bowing mocking and offering his arm. "Shall we be off?"
The younger boy giggled. His dark side was always so sweet. He wished that there could be something between them…
Wait a second, a voice in his head protested. Aren't I with Anzu? But when was the last time Anzu tried to comfort him? When was the last time she tried to make him laugh? When had she ever made him feel this way? She was not as kind, not as protective, not as intelligent, not as beautiful… Yugi shook his head. It was impossible. Yami was too good for him.
"Ready to dance, Yami-Chan?" the boy teased.
"Only if you dance with me," the spirit replied huskily, and Yugi shivered again from the passion in his eyes.
Bakura paced around in his soul room, growling impatiently. They were at the Christmas party, and there was no way he was going to be seen. It was bad enough that his hikari was in that humiliating outfit. He did not need to let them se someone that looked like the "guy in a Santa suit."
After completing it more than fifty times, the ever-changing, trap-filled maze that he called a soul room did not seem so challenging anymore. He called a "challenge" to avoid doing anything connected to the Pharaoh, but it was more like a game. When he was bored, his subconscious mind would change the cryptic labyrinth and hide a treasure inside. All this, he would try to find before one of the deadly trap "kills" him. However, it was too simple now, which made it rather uninteresting. He needed to find a new activity. He decided to sit still.
It was not the nature of a Tomb Robber to be still, as Bakura discovered less than a minute later. Finally, he decided to visit Ryou's soul room. It had been so long since they shared the same body. (A/N: O_o That sounds wrong.)
He has changed, Bakura noticed as soon as he entered. Somehow, he could feel it. Ryou had gotten much stronger.
The Tomb Robber peered absently at his hikari's memories, riffling through the thoughts of the past few weeks. They were filled with fear of him. Not even that gave him a sense of satisfaction, however morbid. He searched for something else. But what, he did not know.
There… a different feeling, one that he could not quite place. Bakura frowned, trying to figure out what it was. It was alien to him. Or… was it? The strange, gentle sweetness woke a memory deep in the unexplored corner of his mind.
~*~*~ Bakura's Memory ~*~*~
"Run, Baby! Hurry!" a young woman urged, her youthful face lined with worry. "Don't let them catch you!"
"But Mama…" Warm, reddish-chestnut eyes stared pleadingly at the white-haired woman, his own snowy mane veiling his eyes and spilling over his shoulders. Tears slid down his cheeks, washing lines through a layer of dirt, revealing soft, tanned skin.
The woman reached down to pull the little boy into a hug, her hand smoothing his hair. "Run, Bakura. I don't want them to find you."
She started to push him away, but he hung on, sobbing. What did she mean? Who would find him? Why did he have to leave the only life he had ever known? "But I want to stay with you… Mama, Mama, don't make me go! We can both run. We can hide. Even if they find us, we can fight them." His voice was quick and panicked.
"They will recognize us," the woman murmured sadly. "They will know you are my son. Your father… Don't let your father get you! He will—"
Instinct made the boy jump back from his mother's embrace. In the blink of an eye, an arrow protruded from her chest, and her pale rose dress was dyed red by blood. In her last moments, she reached out a hand beseechingly. "Run, my baby. I will try to hold them off…"
~*~*~ End Bakura's Memory ~*~*~
"I will not allow that emotion to assault me again!" Bakura growled, pounding his fist against a wall. He did not notice the tears gathering in his eyes until one trailed down his cheek. Angrily, he brushed it away, only to have more replace it. For the first time in thousands of years, he sat down, leaning against the wall, and cried. (A/N: Sorry, I'm depressed. I shouldn't write right now…)
(A/N: Okies! I'm perky-hyper-chipper again! Er, not really. But I can write without making it depressing now…)
Yami hated dances. He kept telling his Aibou that, but the boy dragged him there anyway. The spirit wondered why he listened to a boy that was once his slave, until he remembered the large, adorable amethyst eyes that stared up sadly, filled with tears that he knew were fake but could not resist, and the cute little voice quavering as it whispered, "Awwwwww, please, Yami-Chan?"
That was why he was in a corner of the darkened gym of Yugi's school, trying to act inconspicuous and ignore the interested glances of giggling girls. That was why his eyes followed the form of his Aibou, tracing the outline of his delicate body, wishing that it was him that was dancing with the amethyst-eyed boy and not Anzu, trying to repress his jealousy. Yugi was his before. Yugi was his slave… his angel.. his lover. Yami wanted him back.
The Pharaoh leaned against the wall, slowly sliding to a sitting position. (A/N: Eh? Why's he doing the same as Bakura?) He wondered, sometimes, if he should just forget the love he had with Yugi, if he should just let the boy go. He did not want to. He knew that he could not live without his Aibou. But Yugi did not need him now, did he? He was already a wonderful duelist, and he had the friends that he wished for, friends that could protect him. What if he was just getting in the boy's way? Yugi would be better off without him.
Someone bounded over to Yami. "Ne, Yami-Chan, why aren't you dancing? They all want to dance with you."
The spirit blinked. From his seat on the floor, he was staring directly at a pair of long, leather-clad legs, ending at slim hips. He blushed as he realized that he was staring, and quickly shook himself. "I told you, Aibou, I don't dance."
"Would you dance with me?" the boy asked, eyes wide with innocence. "I'm special, aren't I? Hmmmm, Yami-Chan?"
Yami knew that the pleading, the innocence, the gathering tears were all fake. Still, like before, he could not resist the cuteness. He could not resist anything, if Yugi was the one requesting. And thus, he was led onto the dance floor by his young Aibou, swaying gently to the soft, slow song. His arms went naturally around the boy's waist, resting on his hips, and he felt Yugi's arms around his neck, the tiny hands tangling themselves in his hair. He gasped as the younger teen drew close, resting his head again Yami's chest, over his heart. It felt… right. Though they must have looked strange amongst all the other couples, they did not care. It felt… complete.
However, the song ended, and the two once-lovers were forced to part. Yami stared wistfully, longingly at Yugi, as the boy shook his head, as if waking from a dream. The spirit sighed. A dream… It could be only a dream.
"What were you doing?" a feminine voice demanded somewhat-angrily. "Last time I checked, Yugi, you were my boyfriend, not his."
The boy blushed at the implication, more so as a voice in his mind commented, "not that's a good idea." Quickly, he put up his mental defenses to keep the thought from seeping over to Yami.
//What's wrong, Aibou? Why are you blocking me from your mind?//
The boy bit his lip. He hated keeping things from his beloved guardian, but he could not let the spirit know just how "beloved" he was. /N-nothing, Yami-Chan. I'm fine. Why do you ask? I'm not blocking you, really…/
He could tell that the spirit did not believe him by the look that he gave. He turned to other matters, though he could not help but feel uncomfortable keeping something from Yami. "Hai, Anzu, I know. But Yami-Chan looked so sad, and I wanted him to open up to the people here." I will not admit that I like being pressed against his warm body… I will not admit that I like being pressed against his warm body… I will n— wait, what am I saying? I don't like being pressed against… Mmmmmm… warm… No!
"Well then…" Anzu flashed Yami a fake smile. "Perhaps you would like to dance with me?"
The Pharaoh saw his Aibou's downcast expression and assumed that he did not like for his girlfriend to be with other people. Frowning, he shook his head quickly and backed away. "No, it's alright, Anzu. I think I had enough dancing for a while. It's one of the few things that I have never learned before." Aibou… I'm sorry… I'm not trying to steal your girlfriend, I swear… I love only you…
"I can teach you!" the girl suggested brightly. "I am one of the best dancers here."
"I know, but I…" Yami hesitated, looking for an excuse. "I'm tired. I'll rest with Yugi for a while, alright? I might dance later."
Anzu had no arguments, looking as how the ruby-eyed teen had already sat down, pulling little Yugi down beside him. "Why does Yami like him? Besides being weak and childish, he is also a guy." She glanced back at them, but they were not looking at her. "Oh, just wait, Yugi Mutou, I'll get you for this. I will have Yami or no one will!" (A/N: Eh, don't worry, she doesn't pose a threat. I just feel really frustrated so I have to take my anger out on someone. I know I'm making Anzu really OOC. Sorry to people that like her. I don't mind her, actually, but I'm not feeling very well, so I don't really have the energy to care.)
Bakura knew that something wrong was going to happen. Every Tomb Robber sense in his head was screaming that something bad was coming. Just waking from his revelry, he almost thought that the Pharaoh's guards were coming before realizing where he was.
//Ryou! Ryou, watch out! Something bad is going to happen.// His natural yami instincts told him to protect his hikari above all else.
/So what?/
Whatever he was expecting, it was not this.
Ryou continued. /So what? Why do you care? Or are you just too lazy to find a new host? Don't expect me to believe that you actually care about my well-being./
A wave of coldness washed over the boy's soul room, and Bakura was forced out in a vortex of emptiness.
//N-nani?!// It was disgraceful for a Tomb Robber to be confused. Still, the Ring Spirit could only blink in stunned silence at the younger teen's soul room, now closed off to him. //Da** it, hikari, why did you have to pick now to grow a backbone…/
The boy did not answer. Bakura was not even sure if he had heard. But danger was coming this way, aiming for this building. The Millennium Ring tugged at him unceasingly, telling him that he must protect Ryou, before his own life, before the Sennen Items, before world domination, before anything else. Still… his pride would not allow him to be seen.
As the million-something-th child came up to "Santa", the white-haired teen temporarily forgot his yami's warnings.
"Hi, Santa!" the little girl greeted, climbing into Ryou's lap. "My name's Rebecca and I'm eight!" (A/N: No, not the Rebecca from the series. I'm just outta names.)
The boy smiled brightly, though inwardly, he was sighing and waiting for the usual "I want a pony" wish.
"I want a boyfriend," the girl informed him importantly. "And not just any boy. He's the best-looking boy I've ever seen."
Eh? The teen blinked. Isn't she a bit young for this…? Hmmmm… I want a boyfriend too. The best-looking one I've ever seen.
Rebecca continued, as Ryou's thoughts whirled at a furious pace. "He's kinda tall, but not that skinny, but not muscular either." Tall, not skinny, not muscular… Hey, I know someone like that too. "He's really cute, and usually wears white." Usually wears white… "He's always around someone that looks like him." Looks like him… Wait, she can't mean Yugi or Yami, can she? "He has really pretty, long white hair." No, they don't wear white, and they don't have long white hair— WHAT?! Hey, now, Bakura's MIN— er, where did that come from?! "His name…" she stared at him solemnly, "… is Ryou Bakura." Oh, good, not my Bakura. Just Ryou Ba… ku… ra… hey, wait a second, that's, that's…
"N-nani?!"
"What?" the girl blinked. "Do you know him?"
"Isn't he a bit too old for you?" Ryou asked, desperately trying to keep her mind off of him.
"No, he's only… um…" She counted on her fingers. "Only eight years older. People used to marry people 30 years younger!"
"Are you sure you don't want something else?" the snowy-haired teen asked. "You see, I know Ryou. He likes someone already. Someone his age." My age. Riiiiiiiight. He's "only" 5000 years older. Not that much… right?
"Oh…" Rebecca was downcast for a second, but then she brightened. "Then, I want a pony!"
Ryou sighed inwardly. Here comes the same old boring request again… But then, maybe he preferred that.
Unfortunately, Bakura had been listening to the whole conversation, though without knowing that the object of the boy's affection was him, since Ryou blocked him from his mind. So, you like someone else, my little hikari?
One confused Tomb Robber did not know whether he was angry or upset, or why he was feeling either way.
"Ne, do you like Anzu, Yami-Chan?" the amethyst-eyed boy asked the figure sitting beside him. "I mean, almost all the guys do." He stared at the dance floor, where the girl was surrounded by admirers. "I'm lucky she chose me… right?" Then why don't I feel happy?
The spirit ruffled his little hikari's hair. "You're not lucky. You're sweet. She's attracted to you for being you, not because she drew your name out of a roulette." Not to mention how absolutely adorable you look, how warm and soft your body is… No! Not supposed to think about that…
"Demo, do you like her?" Yugi asked again. "If… if she asked you out, would you go with her?"
Yami was shocked. "Of course not! Even if I did like her, she is still your girlfriend. I would never think of…"
"But what if I liked someone else?" the boy pressed. "What if I didn't like her?"
The Pharaoh shook his head. "Aibou, I don't like Anzu. Don't worry, we're not going to fight over a girl." Maybe the girl and I will have to fight over the beautiful boy known as you, but that is a different matter.
The boy sighed and leaned against his dark side, his head resting on the older teen's shoulders. Yami-Chan's always so nice to me… what if… What if I'm getting in his way, but he's too nice to tell me? I know that Anzu likes him. What if he likes her too? What if they should be together, but he's keeping back because of me? Yugi sighed again. I hope he doesn't like her… But not for the same reason that he thinks… Because, I… I think that I love…
//What is it, Aibou?// the spirit's voice nudged his mind gently. //You are blocking me from your thoughts. And you feel so upset. Have I done something wrong? I'm sorry…// Aibou… My sweet Aibou, why are you distancing yourself from me…?
Shock coursed through the younger boy's mind. /Gomen, Yami-Chan! I didn't realize that I…/ Quicly, his arms encircled the Pharaoh. /It's not because of you, Yami-Chan… I'm sorry I made you feel that way./ Nothing you do is wrong in my eyes… You're… perfect… to me…
(A/N: Heehee, we need more YxY action! ^_~ Yugi: Ari! *blush* Ari: *smirks* If you can embarrass me, I can embarrass you.)
A moment of silence stretched. Suddenly, Yami could take it no longer. It was pure torture to be this close to his once-lover, and not be able to touch him like he did once before. Throwing caution and logic to the wind, he tackled the younger boy, pushing him to the ground.
"N-nani?" Yugi yelped in surprise, but made no moves to stop him. He could feel the staring eyes of his schoolmates, but he did not care. Yami's warm body pressed tightly against him. A noticeable bulge jutted from the spirit's pants, as their bodies rubbed together.
The boy could only gasp as a hot mouth closed over his own, velvety warmth breathing into him. A tongue ran across his lips, pushing gently, asking for entrance. Yugi complied with a loud moan. His body seemed to belong to someone else, out of his control, and he could only submit to the eternal pleasure. Slowly, Yami's hand slipped under his shirt, rubbing his belly teasingly. The other hand slowly went under the boy's waistband, sliding down his pants, fingers dancing on the soft skin. Yugi moaned and thrust his hips up, as Anzu, finally over her shock, growled.
(Yugi: Woah, hey, what is going on?! Ari: *smiles innocently* What? Don't you liiiiiike this? ^_~ Yugi: Hai, demo… This isn't the plan! Ari: And when did I ever follow plans? Yugi: Demo, it's not… It… Ari: Alright, alright, it was a joke. This isn't the actual story. I'm fluff-deprived, alright? Now, here's the real one… Er, everything from the last A/N up to this one is just an unrealistic piece of fluff.)
A moment of silence stretched. Yugi stood up. "Yami-Chan, dance with me again! I want to feel your embrace again…" Oh no! Did I say that last part out loud?
For a second, the cocky "Pharaoh's smirk" appeared on the Sennen Spirit's lips. Oh, you do, do you, my "oh-so-innocent" Aibou… However, he gave no evidence that he had heard, wanting to spare the boy the embarrassment. "Dance? Me? How many times must I tell you, I don't dance?"
The adorable pout was back on the younger teen's face, his earlier comment forgotten. "Awww, Yami-Chan, pwease? Onegai?"
The Pharaoh sighed, pretending to be resigned. "Alright, but only if you promise me something."
"Hai? What?"
Yami smirked. "I'm not telling."
The boy sulked. "That's not fair. You can't ask me to promise something without knowing what it is."
Yami shrugged. "You can't use your cute begging eyes on me then. That's really not fair."
Yugi giggled. "Then I promise you, whatever it is that you want. Just dance with me, Yami-Chan. I'll do anything you say."
Anything I say? the spirit thought, licking his lips. What a tempting idea. Do you still taste that delicious, my beautiful Aibou? Do you still taste of crystal pure honey? Can I trail my hand down your body, feeling your silken skin? I want to see you, my little angel. But I could never again…
Slowly, the ancient Pharaoh was brought back from his revelry by a pair of bright amethyst eyes, so familiar to him. They haunted his every dream, teasing him, taunting him, reminding him of sweet days that could never return. He shook himself. That time was long gone. He should think of the present, of protecting the one he loved – and still love – and of ensuring the younger boy's happiness.
Smooth glide… The two, Pharaoh and Slave, Protector and Chosen, were lost in each other's eyes… their souls… Fiery crimson shone with the fires of passion, of unreturned love held too long. They blazed, threatening to pull the boy into their all-consuming inferno, but they were faced wit no fear, only eagerness for the fulfillment of that promise. The younger boy's own gentle violet eyes held confusion, and the strange eagerness for the ruby depth, the confusing made more so because of that desire. He did not mind. He never did. Against the reason posed by his mind, his heart asked for something… something…
Your eyes, shining in the night…The moon smiles, unaware,
Not knowing, under her blessings,
We two stand, a forbidden pair.
Your eyes, a swirling vortex…
The gentle breeze knows your heart.
Soft whispers, deathly sighs,
Warning agony, crying "never part".
I am entrapped in your gaze,
As your eyes tell of love.
Long-held passions escape,
I am lost in your love.
Your eyes, watching for my heart…
The moon understands our plight,
As I fall into your embrace,
Your sweetness, I set in my sight.
Your eyes… fiery passion flares…
I seek out one last kiss.
For eternity, I await you here…
The spell binds us to the forbidden bliss.
Forever, I am entrapped in your gaze,
As your eyes tell of love.
Long-held passions escape,
I am lost in your love.
Forever, I am lost in your love…
(A/N: I wrote that, for once. *bows* Yugi: *rolls eyes* Ai: *sighs* Okay, okay, it was bad. Sorry, I couldn't find a song for this situation. Meaning, I'm too lazy to look. *stretches* Owie… that song/poem took me 3 days… Yea, that explains my lack of updates. No, no. It took so long 'cause I was at concerts the whole week. Singing, I mean, not attending. No, I don't sing well. *sighs* My poems are getting worse. I used to write lots of them…)
Yugi took a deep breath. He knew. It was true… All this time, he searched for love. Now, he understood why his heat thumped so loudly around Yami, why his blood rushed in a fiery heat around the spirit, why he would do anything just to please the young Pharaoh. He loved his yami. There was no question, no doubt. Now, he must tell him…
"Yami-Chan, I have to tell you something…"
The puzzle spirit smiled encouragingly. "Of course, Aibou. What is it?"
The boy hesitated. Now that it was the moment of truth, he did not feel so confident anymore. Yami's encouraging smile did not help. If anything, it made it worse. What if he doesn't like me? What if he hates me forever? What if he leaves me? No! No, no… He wouldn't do that… would he? "I… I…"
"What is it, Aibou?" the spirit hugged him close. "You seem distressed." He buried his face in the younger boy's hair, hoping that he would not notice.
Yugi sighed, unconsciously moving closer. What if he does like me? What if I could be with him? What if we could be like this forever? Or… even closer… He blushed. I have to know… I must… "Yami-Chan… I…"
"Ah, Yami, there you are!"
Yugi almost groaned out loud and Yami growled inwardly. (A/N: Angry groan, not that groan.) Anzu. The spirit sulked as the girl came closer, flashing him a brilliant smile. Right now, he wanted to strangle her. She, a little nobody, had interrupted his Aibou, the most important person in the world. To him, anyway. He decided to ignore her. "Hai, Aibou?"
The boy shook his head, eyes downcast with shame. As Anzu approached, he moved away from Yami. The spirit angrily added the girl to his "must kill" list. Even if she did not do so intentionally, she made his precious Aibou leave. Again, he missed the boy's warmth. //Tell me in our minds, if you don't want her to hear. Please, Aibou? I want to know…//
/N-no… It's nothing…/
The Pharaoh knew better. His beloved little Aibou was upset. There was nothing worse in the world. //Aibou… you're upset… Tell me?//
/I…/
"Oh, Yami!" Anzu cooed. "Can you come with me for a moment? I want to tell you something." Without waiting for a reply, she started dragging him away.
Yugi stood rooted to his spot, tears filling his eyes. But I want to tell him something… I was going to tell him first… He had a feeling that she was going to say the same thing that he wanted to.
The spirit stood stiffly. "Last time I checked, you were with my Aibou, not me. Perhaps you should talk to him."
The last thing the boy heard before they were out of range was Anzu laughing as she said, "Don't worry, I'll dump him in a second."
With tears streaming from his amethyst eyes, the teen ran out the closest doors, into the frigid night air. A cold winter wind blasted at him, clearing his mind. Slowly, he sank down against the wall, under an overhang, shivering with cold. He had left his coat inside. He did not care. Silent sobs raked through his tiny body. Why did I tell him earlier? Why didn't I realize sooner…? Yami-Chan… Yami-Chan…
At this heartbreaking sight of shattered innocence, one person stared coldly, hidden in the shadows…
There was no warning as the large double-doors burst open. Ryou jumped in his seat as a person came in, bearing a large, dangerous-looking rifle. His first thought was, Bakura was right. Now, what could he do?
//Get out!!// the Tomb Robber yelled. //Out, out, OUT!! It's not safe in here. He's insane! Get out, Ryou. He's gonna shoot!//
/Demo… What if he hurts the children?/ Ryou asked plaintively, his chocolate-brown eyes wide with fear.
//I don't care, da**it!// Bakura declared. //They're not my children, are they?! However, you are my hikari, so I'm going to protect you. Oy, get out of here already! If you're that worried about the stupid brats, I'll come back in after them.//
Disapproval flowed through their link. /How can you be so cruel? How can you just disregard them like that? That's… that's cold-blooded!//
The ring spirit was getting impatient. And hurt. For a second, he tried to ponder why, but quickly gave up. A Tomb Robber did not care about why his heart ached. //I said I would come back!//
Ryou was still not moving.
//I never said I wasn't cold-blooded!// Bakura snarled in irritation. //And I am so giving you a beating when we get home!//
The gunman looked around, eyes mad but cunning. Suddenly, they fixed themselves onto the snowy-haired teen. Licking his lips suggestively, he stalked towards the petrified Ryou.
"Well, well…" It was now close enough to hear him. "What have we here? A pretty little toy for me to play with, I think." Slowly, he trailed a finger along the boy's jaw line, his nails just barely brushing the delicate skin.
"What are you doing?" Ryou yelped, slapping his hand away. "Get away from me!" /B-bakura, he's… Ahhhhh, help!/
The spirit smirked humorlessly. //Running back to me now, hikari? I thought I was "cold-blooded". Why should I help? If he wants you, he can have you.//
Unexpectedly, the children came to the teen's defenses. They glared at the gunman angrily.
"Hey, get away from him!"
"Yea, he's our Santa!"
A few braver ones approached. "If you don't leave him alone, we'll beat you up!"
The man laughed mockingly. "This boy is no Santa." Reaching, he pulled off Ryou's cottony white beard.
"We know what he is!" a little girl explained patiently, as if she were a parent and he a foolish child.
Suddenly, there was a gasp. "R-ryou-Chan!"
The snowy-haired boy turned and saw little Rebecca staring at him, her eyes tearful.
The gunman smirked cruelly. "That's right, pretty little Ryou-Chan. Want to stay and see what hot little things I'm going to do to him, or are you all too young? Of course, I'm sure some of you would just love to see his beautiful butt."
/Bakura! Help, please…/ There was no response. The ring spirit could be very stubborn, especially when offended.
"Each time you displease me, pretty Ryou," the gunman whispered, "I will kill one of these children. Starting with the little girl that oh-so-kindly told me your name."
The boy shook his head in fear.
"Well, then, let's start." With a sickening smile, he slid his hand beneath the waistband of Ryou's pants and started to move down.
"Don't touch me!" the teen yelped, jumping away. Horror hit him as he realized what would happen now. He had doomed the children.
"Tsk, tsk," the man smirked. "Don't say I didn't warn you." Hefting his gun, he pointed it at Rebecca.
"No…" Ryou whispered. "No, please don't… I-I'll obey, just don't…" /Bakura… Help me, onegai… Yami…/
//Hmph.//
"Too late…" The man laughed maniacally, and pressed the trigger.
Time slowed for the snowy-haired hikari. He did not know what he was doing, only that he must not allow anyone to get hurt because of him. As the bullet struck flesh, blood spilled onto red velvet. Ryou reeled back from the impact, staring at the wound in incomprehension. Blood… Red blood… Blood was coming out of him, and his stomach hurt.
The gunman was not thus stunned. In a flash, he grabbed the boy's wrist and tossed him through the wall-high window, jumping down after him, both falling down 30-or-so floors.
//Ryou!// the ring spirit called, shocked. This was all wrong. He could not let his hikari die. That stupid girl that liked his Ryou was supposed to die. His Ryou. His Ryou should have run from the beginning. He kept telling himself that he protected the younger teen only because he could not be bothered to find another host. But deep down, he knew it was something different.
Bakura did the only thing he could think of. He came out of the Sennen Ring, appearing on the sidewalk below. Using his powers, he slowed down the snowy-haired boy, catching him at the bottom. Being so worried about his hikari, he did not spare even a glance a the splatter-which-was-the-gunman.
//Ryou… wake up, hikari!//
There was no response. The younger boy was losing blood too quickly. And Bakura could not heal him. Healing was never his strong point, and he was exhausted from slowing the boy down. //Da**. If he goes on like this, he's going to fall into a coma. The da** hospital's too far away. Think, Bakura, think. Who else can heal him? Who else has Shadow Powers, and is relatively fair, whose hikari can convince him to save my hikari? Oh. Da**! DA**IT!//
"Urngh…" The white-haired teen stirred in the Tomb Robber's arms. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, staring up with a dazed and confused look. "Bakura…? Wha, where… Owie, hurts… What did I do this time, Bakura…? I… want to say… A-aishi—" His head lolled to the side before he could finish. /Don't feel so good… Tired… going to… sleep…/
//No! Da**it, hikari, wake up! Ryou, no, don't go to sleep now, or you might never wake up!// Bakura shook the boy, though not too roughly. //Come on, it wont' take long. Help me find the Pharaoh no Baka, so he can heal you!//
Ryou shook his head groggily. /Too tired… Must… rest…/
As the teen hung limply in his arms, the ring spirit growled in frustration. Ryou must not sleep, or he might fall into a coma. There was only one thing he could do. As much as he hated his hikari's costume, Bakura took over his body. He was stronger, more used to the pain. He would survive the walk. But… where was he supposed to go?
"G-gomen, Ryou-Chan," a little girlish voice piped up.
Bakura spun around, to see the girl with a crush on his hikari.
"I didn't mean to cause trouble for you," she continued, peering at him anxiously. "I hope you're alright…"
"It's alright," Bakura said, smiling. "I'm fine. I'm sorry to have worried you." Gah, what am I doing?
The girl breathed a sigh of relief. "Ne, Ryou-Chan?"
"Hmmmm?"
"I think I know who you're in love with…"
"Oh?" The Tomb Robber raised an eyebrow. Good… Now, I can kill the competition… Wait, what am I saying?!
"Ryou-Chan… Is it the white-haired guy you're always around?" she asked in a tiny voice. "You always look at him in such a loving way, and you try to touch him… and…" (A/N: O_o Smart lil 8-year-old…)
Stop saying my hikari's nam— Wait, me? Bakura was in shock. You think that Ryou loves me? How am I supposed to tell you whether he does or does not… "That… is for you to find out."
As little Rebecca walked away, the Sennen Spirit stood there, in his hikari's body, staring at the white flakes of snow. White like Ryou's hair… White like Ryou's heart…
He did not realize he had been moving until he saw a familiar sight. The Pharaoh's hikari's game shop. Taking his own form and cradling Ryou close, he went in, greeting the old man at the counter.
"I am, u h, an acquaintance of the Pha— er, of Yugi," he murmured softly, trying to appear like Ryou. "My um, brother – a friend of his – is hurt. We need his – er, Yami's – help."
Sugoroku Mutou shook his head. "I'm afraid both Yugi and Yami are at their school dance. Why don't you stay here a while? We can use a first-aid kit on your brother, or call the hospital."
Bakura shook his head. "Only Yami can help now." It was true. The boy was so withdrawn in his mind that only strong healing magic – magic that the Tomb Robber did not possess – could save him. "I will go find him."
Sugoroku shrugged. "If you insist, then go ahead. You do know where the school is, right?"
The spirit nodded as he ran out. "Thanks, old man."
//Hold on, Ryou… Hold on…//
A few blocks away, Bakura slowed down, gasping for breath. He could not run with Ryou's body, or the blood would start flowing again, so he carried the boy in his arms. However, though still a fragile little hikari, Ryou was much heavier than the child-like Yugi. The Tomb Robber could only lay him down on a snow-covered bench as he leaned against a wall and rested.
That was when it happened. A pair of bright lights blasted through the spirit's night vision, temporarily stunning him. A limo screeched to a stop, its tinted windows revealing nothing. Before the stunned Sennen Spirit could react, two men came out, grabbed something, and dragged it back to the vehicle. Light clouded Bakura's vision once again, as it drove away.
When he could see again, Ryou was gone. (A/N: You saw that one coming, didn't you… C'mon, you MUST have.)
"Nooooooo! DA** YOU!!//
"Oh, Yami!" Anzu purred, holding the Pharaoh's arm. "Has anyone ever told you how… sexy… you are?"
The teen looked at her hands in disgust, hoping she would get the message. Of course, she did not, and he had to pull away. "Yes, indeed, many people have. What about it? It doesn't matter what you think. Only one person matters…"
"Am I that person?" the girl asked, batting her eyes. When Yami did not answer, she glared. "Or is it that brat, Yugi?!"
"Don't you dare speak of him that way!" Yami growled, eyes flaring. "And yes, it is him. Yugi is the only person that matters."
Tears appeared in Anzu's eyes. "But Yami… I love you. I really do… Yugi doesn't. He's a guy, Yami… He likes me, not you."
The spirit drew a sharp breath. Those words, though spoken in ignorance with no evidence behind them, hurt him more than anything else had ever done. Aibou… Aibou doesn't love me…? Of course, he knew that. But it hurt so much more, hearing it from someone else. It made it… real. "That's right. He likes you, so stay with him!"
The blue-eyed girl sulked, annoyed that her "teary eyes" did not work. (A/N: Of course not, baka. Only Yugi's work. And mind. *nod nod* Or at least, they work on Sage. *smirks* And my big sister I-Chan! ^_^) She decided to try it another way. "Demo, Yami, I love you! I don't want to live without you! Please, Yami. I'll… I'll leave Yugi. Please? Just kiss me once…"
Yami pushed her away in disgust. When he spoke, his voice was calm and deadly. "Need I remind you that it was you who promised love to my Aibou? I knew you didn't mean it then, nor do you mean it now. I let you be with him because it made him happy. If he gets hurt because of you, I will kill you. Don't look so shocked. If you did truly love me, I would have felt sorry. As it is, you only lust after my body. You disgust me, Anzu."
The girl was furious. No one had ever denied her before. Growling, she grabbed the spirit's wrist. (A/N: O_o Erm… What I writing?)
/Ahhhhh! Yami-Chan, HELP!/
The Pharaoh gasped. "Aibou!" He looked around, but could not find Yugi. //Aibou, where are you?//
"What?" Anzu frowned. "Quit talking about Yugi and be with me." Once again, she tried to draw close.
//Aibou! Aibou, say something! Talk to me!// Yami was frantic with worry. //Yugi, sweet one, please… please be alright!//
/Urgh…/ Yugi's voice was dazed. /Can't think… Y-yami-Chan, please come get me… Some… person… taking me away… Head hurts… B-black limo. S-s-someone inside… White hair… Ummm, um… My friend… Name, um… Oh! Ryou! Ryou tied up… M-must sleep…/
//Aibou!! IIE!// There was no response. No… NO! They captured my angel… And Ryou? The Tomb Robber must be worried too. And I can bet it was them. I will get my Aibou back and destroy them once and for all! (A/N: You should know who he meant by "them".)
Lost in his thoughts, Yami did not realize how close Anzu had come. Now, she was trying to kiss him. Quickly, he tried to push her away. "What are you doing?! Get away from me!" But somehow, he had lost his strength.
A shiny metal punch bowl came to the Pharaoh's rescue, as it slammed onto Anzu's head. The reddish liquid streamed through her hair and down her fae. She had a second to look surprised before she fell. Yami blinked, glad he could go find Yugi now. But… why did the blue-haired girl that dumped the punch look so familiar…? (A/N: Sage-Chan's cameo! -^__________^-)
"Go!" the mysterious rescuer (*coughsagecough*) hissed. "Hurry, before something happens! He went out that door."
Nodding, Yami bolted out as fast as he could go. Now… How to find the place?
"Pharaoh!" an irritated voice greeted him. "What are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be in there with your precious little Yugi?!"
The puzzle spirit shook his head, too worried to argue. "They captured him! I'm sure it was them! And from what he said before he blacked out, Ryou is in there too! Listen, Tomb Robber, we must work together on this one. Our hikaris' lives depend on this…"
Bakura nodded, though reluctantly. "That was the first bit of sense I have ever heard from you. Now, how do we find them?"
"I think I have an idea…"
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Ari: Well… Glad that Yami has an idea. I really don't. ^^;
Yami: ^________^ I have no idea either.
Ari: O_o Right… Well, um… Readers… Help? Please? ^_^ The one whose idea gets chosen gets the next chappy dedicated to them. I have an idea, actually, but it's not good… If your is better than mine, I'll give you credit. ^_^
