Disclaimer: YuGiOh and its characters do not, never have, and never will belong to me. The only things I own are the setting for this story and the OCs. Which there won't be many of. (If there are any at all)
Oh, and watch out for shounen-ai hints.
Possible. Not definite, but possible, pairings include (with characters at the moment) BxR, Mx?x?x? ('?' get filled in later, when the characters make it into the story.)
Enjoy.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Finally! I have finally updated!
Thank You to all of you who reviewed chapters 1-3! Responses are at the bottom again. I'm glad some people like the story. I like the idea but have been having problems with inspiration. My massive writer's block seems to be breaking though…. (Knock on wood)
Still accepting ideas for which way y'all want the story to go!
Oh, and reviews are a big part of what inspires writers to write. If you want more….
Please REVIEW
Italics – thoughts
Line -- - POV change
Freedom Through Inferno:
To the surprise of his sleep-fogged mind, he tripped over something pleasantly warm before he'd made it even half way around. Without ever truly waking up, Ryou curled up next to the warmth and yawned contentedly before burrowing closer and drifting off into peaceful slumber.
He didn't even notice that the warmth moved to accommodate him obliviously sometime during the night.
Chapter 4: The Journey: Day 2
"Mmmmm…"
Bakura unconsciously snuggled closer to his source of warmth, burying his nose in soft hair and inhaling the delicate woodsy scent happily.
Wait…his brow creased. Something was wrong. VERY wrong. Why is there somebody next to me? He went rigid, searching his tired mind for a solution. Maybe…Marik accidentally came too close during the night. Yeah, that's it. I'd better get up to tell him off…in a few minutes. Reflexively, he pulled the warm body cozied against his own even closer, wrapping his arms around thin, fuzzy shoulders, and...
He froze once again, instantly wide awake and reluctant to open his eyes. Marik…isn't this thin…and he's DEFINATLY not fuzzy, so then who…?
Nervously cracking a single eye, he went as still as stone.
Oh…shit…
It was the creature. The doctor's little cat-like experiment, the one with very SHARP fangs and claws, was curled comfortably up against his chest, breathing evenly and looking for all the world like a napping kitten.
I don't dare move…what if I wake it up? It'll kill me for sure!
A vague purr interrupted his thoughts, making him go rigid. Apparently, he had accidentally relaxed.
What the Hell am I supposed to do now?
Marik was unhappy. Curled in a small ball on the cold, hard, wet ground with a single ratty blanket was not his idea of fan. Not to mention he had rolled away from Bakura during the night, losing the extra body heat along with is moody partner.
Well, since it's HIS fault, HE can wake up as well.
With that cheerful thought, Marik rolled to his knees, stretching like a cat to work the kinks and craps from stiff muscles. Then he sidled over to his sleeping companion, giving a swift poke in the ribs upon arrival.
"Bakura."
No response.
"Bakuuurrraaaa…"
Again, no response. He pouted, this was no fun! Usually, the Egyptian would just shout in the other's ear, but the scientist was around somewhere and Marik most defiantly didn't want to wake HIM up. Even if the kitty was cute.
"Bak- "
"Shut. Up."
Startled, the annoyance rocked back on his heels, then grinned and moved in again for the attack.
"Aww…did someone wake up on the wrong side of the rock this morning?"
"Don't…wake…It…"
"Nnnn."
Huh? Once again, Marik rocked backwards. What's wrong with him? Usually he'd have attacked me by now. And he defiantly doesn't moan in the morning.
Cautiously, he moved around Bakura's body, noticing with concern how tense it was. Was something wrong?
"Kura, what's..?" he froze, momentarily struck dumb.
Then the giggles started. Giggles morphed into snickers to laughs, and upwards until he was chewing on his own fist to keep from roaring with laughter.
The little cat creature had somehow managed to twist its way around the rock it was tied to some time during the night and was currently curled up, very comfortably, against a terrified looking Bakura. Who was, as an addition, lying laying stiff as a board on the hard ground obviously trying not to wake the thing up.
Finally getting under control, Marik grinned. Bakura had no idea how timid the little beast was. He was terrified of it.
And Marik was gonna use that to his fully advantage.
"Awww…Kura, you look so cute! You're all curled up with the little kitty!"
If looks could kill…
"Marik..!" The hiss was audibly enraged.
Giggling, the other moved closer, stepping oh-so-close to the boy and causing Bakura to seize up in fear.
This would be fun.
Mmmmm…that feels nice…
Something warm and soft was pushed up against Ryou's chest. It moved regularly as if beating.
It reminds me of the pacer Father used to put in with me to put me to sleep when I was little…he always said the feline instincts responded well to a simulated hart beat, and an-
Simulated heartbeat? I haven't had one of those in years… Slowly, the events of the previous few days returned to his groggy brain. He wasn't anywhere near the lab, so what was going on? Come to think of it, the nearby presence didn't feel like Father. If anything, it felt like one of the assassins. But that was impossible; both of them were terrified of him. Right? Doubt became a slight, foreign sensation in the back of his mind. That one...Marik?… hadn't seemed very scared. Had he done something during the night?
"Marik, I swear to God, if you don't get away from me and shut up; or better yet, get him off…"
"Awww! Kura-chan, you said Him, not It!"
"Don't Call Me THAT!" an infuriated hiss made its way to Ryou's ears.
"Now you sound like a kitty, Kura! Kitty Kura, you just hissed!"
Wait, Kura? I'm with the white one? But he hates me. And…oh… fears me. I guess that's why he hissed rater then yelled, and why his chest is all tense.
"Shut up, Idiot! Wake the scientist up if you have to! Just get this Thing off me!"
A vague shiver of sadness and hurt, unnoticed by Bakura, ran through Ryou.
"Alright. I'll go on over and tell him right now that his little critter is sound asleep o top of you and he had better get up and move it so you can get out of your helpless position just to yell at him again. Not to mention he'll probably be in a bad mood and once awake will have full control of those sharp claws and…"
"SHUT UP! I Get It! Damn it…"
"Bye bye, Kura-chan! I'm gonna go start breakfast!"
"Don't you dare!"
A darker presence, presumably Marik, moved away from where it had been disguised by Bakura's body. Ryou could feel the other's chest muscles straining to follow Marik while Bakura fought to keep them still. He froze when the cat-boy moved every so slightly. He still hadn't opened his eyes the arsonist didn't know his bedfellow was awake.
"Well, shit."
The soft swear, more heart felt them any of the earlier rambling shouts, made up Ryou's mind. He didn't want to move, it was more comfortable with Bakura then it had ever been in his cage, but he felt bad pinning the man down and depressed knowing he was hated by said man. Having made the decision, there was still the issue of how exactly to go about doing it...
Let me see…Well, I've never been very prone to moving in my sleep, but he doesn't know that and I do not want to let him know I'm awake while we're this close together. Hmmm…
Pissed. No, BEYOND pissed, was the only way to describe Bakura's mood. He was stuck babysitting the cat while Marik laughed his head off in the background and the doctor slept everything off easily a few yards away. The white-haired man dared not move, those fangs were much too close for comfort, a single move could set him off.
No. NO! NOT him! It! It is just a...
"Mmph."
Uh-oh. He went as still as possible, even going so far as to stop breathing.
"Mmmm..."
It's moving. Damn, what now? If it wakes up...Damn damn damn damndamndamndamndamndamndamnda-
A short yawn broke Bakura's mental litany and he watched exposed fangs with horror. Until the yawn ended and the small body, still asleep, rolled away, curing up beside the rock and moving off Bakura completely.
Thank God. Relief almost tangibly washed over him as he stood up shakily (an hour of staying so rigid really takes a toll on a person, not to mention his original state of sleeping on the cold hard ground).
"Although," he murmured vaguely, turning away before twitching white ears caught his attention, "I feel a lot better having slept with the cute little cat boy."
He blinked, rapidly, not noticing again as astonished green eyes shot open and regarded his back.
"Oh God, I DID NOT just say that!" The eyes closed, just before they could be seen. Now observing the creature, Bakura was reluctantly forced to concur with Marik.
"Well, so long as nobody knows about it, I guess. It really does look cute, even if that's just because it's sleeping and unable to attack anyone. Ya know," He watched as delicate pricked ears twitched against the wind "it would be really easy to carry out last night's plan right now. Kill kit without repercussions." The ears instantly stopped twitching but Bakura was staring off into space, paying them no heed. "But for some reason I don't want to. Still…I cant' pass this up. I hafta do something. Maybe…yeah. I'll need to be very quiet but if I can get that off, the boy…I mean thing (his insults were beginning to lose their sting)…might run away. Doubtful, but I won't know 'till it's tried."
Stealthily, he crept forward, silently crossing the few feet to bend over and swiftly unbuckle the collar. Tossing it away, he backed off, watching warily for signs of hostility. There were none, the creature seemed to still be asleep.
"And there we go. Now it's time to watch and wait." He quelled an involuntary and unwelcome 'fuzzy' feeling in his chest as the adorable being sniffled and twitched it's ears. He almost seemed happy. Did it know?
Nah, that's ridiculous.
Disgusted with his own 'weakness', Bakura stomped across the clearing, intent on beating the shit out of Marik for leaving him like that earlier.
What Bakura didn't know was that Ryou was completely awake and aware during the entire conversation. The twitching had been from happiness.
He doesn't hate me! Elated, the youth barely restrained himself from darting after Bakura and ambushing him, rubbing against him as a cat would. No, that would be a sure way to rekindle the hatred. Either that or lose something much more precious, like his head, considering what as going on between the two arsonists across the clearing.
He would wait until they were finished before doing anything overt.
But surely they wouldn't notice movement. Slowly, delicate clawed paw-like hands reached toe young captive's throat. It felt SO good to have that collar off, if a bit odd. The thing had been there his entire life, but it felt nice to be on his own, able to walk as he wanted rather then on all fours all the time (or lay on the ground as his current case dictated), go where he wanted, do anything…!
No, I can't. Purposely, he forced himself out of the euphoria. Father would be very angry. I don't want to get beaten again. Plus, I've never really been in the wiled before, or on my own. I wouldn't know how to care for myself in a city, let alone in a forest. Bakura might have removed my physical restraint and I appreciate the gesture (even if it was done in the spirit of personal gain) but the ties that bind me to the one that created me are far stronger then material bonds; they are the chains of dependence. Not to mention, if I try to run away, I'll never see the others again. Granted, the chance is slim any way, but at least it's there.
Finally opening his eyes to the fullest, the young man, whose snow leopard heritage screamed for freedom, observed the woods around him sadly. There was no way he could take Bakura up on his 'offer'.
Bakura…
Rolling over, he checked on the state of the affairs between the only other two people awake. Both men were eating breakfast bars, presumably from their packs. The fight appeared to be resolved.
Well then, a mental gulp, I guess I should go let them know I'm awake…I-I mean…I'm hungry and all. I can't talk to them, but I don't just want to lie here. And I don't want Bakura to be scared of me and…
Rambling to himself, the youngling pulled all four limbs under his body and set off at a slow, nervous slink, like a cat, across the grass. He stopped several feet away, out of both direct lines of sight.
I'll just….ya know… stay here. If they don't notice me then I'l-
Suddenly, Marik's head snapped up. Insane crimson eyes met wide emerald.
Both beings froze, shocked at the sudden closeness and acknowledgement.
"Marik, what are you…"
Another pair of red eyes landed on the small pleading figure watching them from several feet away.
Silence reigned.
Cliffy?
Huh…
K
K
K
K
K
K
Nope! Not this time! I actually wrote more!
He was just crouching there silently, the kitty boy from last night.
I should be scared, but he looks even cuter! Hair messed from sleeping, eyes so wide, ears drooping…
"Awww…"
"Marik, don't move." Bakura seemed to be trying to meld with the ground.
"It's adorable!"
"Marik…"
It took all of two seconds to get to the creature and less then that to sweep him up into the older man's arms. Ryou didn't have a single chance to escape as the Egyptian hugged him like a plush toy, giggling and burying his face in the boy's soft hair.
"MARIK!"
"What's wrong, Kura?"
Aww...he's so soft! And cute! Whoops, hissing a little. Guess he doesn't like being carried with his legs dangling. How bout…Yes! Bridal style! He's so small…
"Marik, put it down!" Bakura was horrified. Marik was playing with a death machine!
"Why?"
"It's a killing machine!"
"No he's not! Watch!"
Marik plopped down onto the ground, sitting cross-legged and setting the kit, still frozen from shock (not only had he never been held before, but this was definitely NOT the reaction he expected) in his lap. Just as he settled, holding the boy firmly, as one would a house pet, the little one started struggling and thrashing, flailing like a kitten.
"Awww! Calm down, kitty!" For some odd reason, Marik couldn't bring himself to fear it. He was just so…small.
The struggles increased as Marik tightened his hold on the boy's neck and hips, holding him in place. Bakura was watching with barely veiled fear as the thing's effort intensified.
I can't let this get out of hand…maybe…
One hand moved to the boy's ears, stroking and fluffing, petting soothingly as they had the night before. Slowly, struggles died down. Ryou couldn't help himself from going limp and responding to the touch like a house cat, purring delicately.
Marik grinned as the boy held captive in his lap relaxed. Triumph!
"Kitty likes that, hmmm?" Slowly, the arsonist shifted the second hand from the boy's hips to his chin, scratching as if Ryou truly was a tame pet.
"Be a good boy for my friend Bakura, huh?" A warm smile passed over normally vicious features as green eyes, half-lidded and fuzzy with pleasure, attempted to focus on him. Moving the hand again, Marik stroked the fur at the base of the neko's neck calmingly as he looked up at his gaping companion.
"See Kura? Just a little kitty cat."
"It's…purring."
"Mhm." The blonde grinned "Cute, isn't he?"
Mutely, Bakura nodded. THIS was the monstrous killing machine?
"Wanna pet him?"
"Ummm...alright." The albino almost stuttered. In truth, he had wanted to ever since he had woken up and seen the being up close.
"He likes it on the ears, see? Like this."
When a new, faltering set of hands touched him, Ryou didn't even try to keep himself from leaning in. It just felt so… good. Last night, he had been on edge; but now while he was still tired and Father wasn't around to hurt him for disobedience…
A vague smile flickered onto Bakura's lips "You were right. He is kinda…cute." The pale creature lay in Marik's arms like a rag doll, butting his head against Bakura's hand as Marik stroked the soft fuzz on his exposed chest gently.
"You don't still want to kill him, do you?"
"What? Well…" Bakura paused, leaving one calloused hand resting on Ryou's head. The 'killing machine' looked more like, as Marik would say, a kitty then anything else. He gave a defeated sigh and resumed scratching. "No, I suppose not."
A triumphant grin split Marik's features, quickly squelched when he realized the other would change his mind at the sight. He was known for fickle temperaments and quick changes. Better take this slowly.
"You want to hold him?"
"What?" Startled, Bakura found he actually did. "A-alright. How?"
"Just...hold your arms out like this. Now, keep petting; yeah, like that. I shift…and Voila!" The small hybrid lay in Bakura's lap, cradled against his chest gently. A rare warm smile formed on the man's face as he scratched under the 'kitty's' chin, eliciting a warmer purr.
-GROWL-
"What?" Bakura froze, surprised. Marik jumped forward; he had been watching the scene with great amusement but if Bakura made it angry, there was no telling what would happen.
"What did I do?" The smile was gone. Bakura looked oddly…vulnerable…like this.
"I don't..."
"Mrn?"
Both turned to look at the boy as his eyes opened and ears twitched.
"Ah…" Both went rigid.
-GROWL-
A flush tinted the the little one's cheeks as he curled up further in to Bkaura, clutching his stomach.
"BWAHAHAHAH!" Marik collapsed rolling on the ground, leaving a bewildered Bakura staring at him. It was odd how different he seemed around the kitten.
"HAHAHAHAH!"
"Marik?"
"HA! We forgot…Heheheh…the reason he came over here in the first place…-snicker-"
"What?
"Hah…breakfast."
Bakura blinked incredulously for a moment. That sound had been the boy's stomach? Snickering, he looked down at his small armful. He smirked, the youngling looked…cute…when he was so embarrassed. Wait, embarrassed? Where had that come from? Animals couldn't be embarrassed.
"Hungry, huh?"
Marik watched, with interest, as Bakura gently set the youth down on the ground, on hands and feet, keeping one hand rubbing the ears as he pulled out an energy bar.
Odd...Bakura never shares food. He must really like the little kitty.
Breaking off a piece, the saner of the two placed it on his palm and held it up to the almost human face. Wide green eyes darted between it and Bakura's face. A small pink tongue flicked out in temptation and desire at the delicious smell of food.
"Come on." He remembered what Marik had called it. "Good Kitty. Come on boy…"
Ever so slowly, Ryou moved forward, he could have easily used his own hands, but they didn't know that. Using his lips and tongue, he maneuvered the food into his mouth, short whiskers brushing Bakura's hand as he pulled away.
"Good boy." Marik smiled at the creature who was quickly eating the food a couple feet away. Both men watched almost tenderly as he finished the first part and looked up for more. Marik was about to hold his own food out when…
"RYOU!" It froze, fur puffing out, ears going back. Pinning itself to the ground, the youngling began to tremble uncontrollably.
Uncomprehending, both men watched the reaction, then turned to the source of the disturbance.
A slightly elderly man stood beside a boulder at the other edge of the clearing, a leash and empty collar held tightly in one hand.
The Doctor had awoken.
TBC.
End Chapter four.
hope ya liked. The scene with Ryou and the assassins is my favorite, but I really don't know if I did any good. Please give me your thoughts.
Come to think of it, that description encompasses the whole chapter. I meant the last scene.
Also, this is basically just a draft of the chapter. I'm typing it at midnight, so there are bound to be errors. Sorry, maybe I'll get another version up but only if I get complaints.
Hmmmmm….
Weird how I always seem to do this late at night, no?
Oh well, at least I'm not maniacally happy this time for no good reason.
Thank you for reading.
Review!
Responses-
Thunderstorm101: Heh. I don't write just for the reviews; God, if I did that, I'd never get anything done. No, I like writing. I'm glad you liked that chapter and hopefully there will be lots of fluff and cuteness in the future. :) I like it, but I'm not very good at it. Unfortunatley, my writing ability seems to be waning. I'm betting this was my worst chapter….bah, whatever. Thanks for your review and I'm glad you liked the chapter.
Sarah the Slayer: Heh. 'sheepish grin' sorry I didn't update real quick. I hit a massive writer's block; not only on this story, either. All of my other stories suffered, too. Glad you liked the chapter and thanx for the review.
Hathors-Favorite: I wouldn't mind fanpics at all! XD In fact, I'd love them! I'm glad you like my fic enough to feel inspired by it. Thanx for the review!
Ayamari: Glad you like. And yes, I'm not remarkably 'nice' to my characters all the time. I've been reading a lot of those abuse and slavery fics so they're bound to show up slightly. However, I have a love for fluff and sweetness as well so hopefully that will be better. XD And Ryou's lot isn't all that bad. Some of my characters in other stories are in much worse straights. Thanks for your review and I hope you liked this chapter.
Ilikeyaoi: Thanx! XD Glad you like and I would love any reviews your friends could give me. Hope this chapter lived up to your expectations!
Aramis-chan: Heh, hope you liked the result. Unfortunately, I'm not remarkably good at making people 'mean'. The two of them will probably just be mean to each other and the doctor. I might not be very nice to my characters all the time, but I couldn't bring myself to have them abuse Ryou in this fic. Hope you liked this chapter and thanx for the review. Hope to hear from you again!
Wolf of the Shadow Moon: I'm glad you like it! Have you been following from the beginning? Sorry it took so long…the writer's blocks have all decided to congregate on my location… Thanx for the review, hope you liked this chapter.