Chapter 23

What If The World Was A Little More Perfect

Yami sat on a bench next to his albino friend. They watched Ryou climb on the monkey bars and play on the swings. The tri haired man's eyes searched the play ground looking for his other student as he quietly chatted with his assistant. After the startling revelation in class he just really wanted to bask in the warm sun and relax.

Other people also seemed to think the same thing as people were gathered around the lake having picnics with their families.

"That him?" A voice whispered pointing to the tri haired man.

"Yep. He's the cop." The figure in the bushes smirked.

"Hey daddy look!" Bakura smiled and waved to his son to let him know he was watching. Ryou beamed back at his father and climbed down the bars. "I wish Yugi was here." He muttered softly. "I don't like playing alone." Bakura smiled sadly and lifted his son once Ryou had walked over.

"I'm sure Yugi will play with you tomorrow. Maybe we can invite him over for dinner?" His son smiled happily and hugged his father's neck. "Want to come too Yami? We'd love the company." Yami smiled and nodded.

"I'm sure I can fit it into my schedule." He chuckled softly. The young boy squirmed in his father's arms. Bakura smiled and sat the boy down. Grabbing his father's hand he dragged him over to the lake.

"Look at all the ducks!" The boy squatted down next to the ledge and watched the animals swim on the surface of the lake. Yami smiled as he too walked over and stood next to Bakura where they resumed their earlier conversation.

Yugi aimlessly wandered around his neighborhood. He heard his friend yell for his father to watch him. A small smile tugged at Yugi's lips when he remembered his little friend. Inhaling deeply he sat behind a trash can and out of eye sight.

A loud shot rang through the air. Yugi jolted upright when he heard the crowd around the park scream. Running out from behind the house he made it just in time to see Yami's lifeless body fall right into the lake. Without thinking he charged toward the park. Bakura was worried about his son but when he saw Yugi, from behind, run over he dived into the water after his friend. Ryou ran to Yugi and met him half way before they rushed over to the lake.

The park was in total chaos and panic. People dialed 911 and rushed over. Other's looked for the shooter. Bakura lifted the limp man from the water. Yugi's throat clenched. The teachers' assistant gently laid the body of his friend down. Dropping down to his knees Yugi's shakily hand reached for Yami but he couldn't bring himself to touch the man. Recovering quickly from the shock he pressed two fingers against the man's neck. Nothing. Fear rose inside the boy. He quickly tilted the man's head backward and placed his hands over the man's heart.

"Don't do this." Yugi whispered as he firmly pressed down on the man's chest.

One...Two...Three...Breath...

"Don't you give up on me." Yugi stated as he pressed down on the man's chest again. Keeping up with a stable rhythm he became more panicked when Yami did not stir.

One...Two...Three...Breath...

"Don't you fucking dare do this! Don't you quite on me!" Yugi shouted. He pressed harder. He just had to help him. He owed him that much. "Come on! You god damn idiot!" A small tear slipped unnoticed, by all except Bakura, down Yugi's cheek. "Wake the fuck up!"

Yami coughed and a little trial of water mixed blood dripped out of his mouth. Blood was seeping through his shirt. Quickly the boy took off his shirt and ripped off the man's. Finding the wound he pressed his waded shirt against it. Pressing down firmly he internally winced slightly at the man's hiss in pain.

Bakura looked at the very thin boy trying to save his teachers life. His back was littered in light scars, but there was one deep one running jaggedly, at an angle left to right, down his back. He could see the boy's ribs and some old healing scabbed wounds. His whole upper torso bared a scar here and there. His body was also pretty well built, just needed some fat.

Yugi lifted the man's body and laid him on his side. He gently patted his teacher's back hoping it would help clear his lungs since it was obvious that they were filling with blood. Yugi's muscles tensed as he listened to the man's ragged breathing. Moaning slightly the man eased his eyes open.

"Sh. Don't move." Yugi ordered still patting the man's back. The boy turned his head to see if they caught who shot Yami. They hadn't. He berated himself for not looking as he ran toward the lake.

"Yu-gi?" The man coughed.

"Don't talk." The boy said sternly. The tri-haired boy looked down at his pants and his bare chest. They were covered in blood. Yami's blood. Yugi's shirt was already dark crimson. "Shit." He pushed harder on the wound. "Can't I have your shirt?" He asked Bakura. The albino nodded and peeled off his shirt. Yugi took it and pulled back his. He placed Bakura's over the wound and regained the pressure. "Hang in there." He mumbled throwing his blood soggy shirt over his shoulder. Yugi noticed there wasn't a hole in Yami's back where the bullet might have exited. That worried the boy. "God damn cops. Too slow." The 11 year old's heart ached when he saw Yami attempt to smile.

When hearing the sirens he quickly let them take control over the situation. Standing there he just numbly stood and watched as the paramedics help the man breath and carefully place him on a stretcher. He felt something run down his cheek. Reaching up he thought it was just a piece of his hair caressing his cheek but was shocked to find both his cheeks wet. Realizing he was crying he looked once more as his teacher's body was strapped in and placed in the back of the ambulance. Panicked the boy ran past the ambulance and straight for his uncles home. Everything happened so fast and every single moment seemed to blur together as he ran up and into the house. Rushing up the stairs he ran to his room, slammed the door shut, and straight to the closet. Falling to the ground he scooted to the farthest corner of the closet. Hidden in the dark he let his tears fall.

He had no idea where it was coming from and it scared him. This was the first time, in his memory, that he had ever shed a tear. He slowly became aware of what had happened and placed all the scenes in their certain slots. He shivered and grabbed the bloody shirt, still on his shoulder, with his right hand. He soon realized he was in his uncle's home. The boy began to wonder what had driven him there. Was it the familiarity of the place? A place where he could hide and think? He didn't know. Pulling his knees to his chest he rested his head on them. He slammed the door. His uncle must not be home yet he pondered. Sighing he relaxed slightly still in his fetal position. 'I guess I better leave...but he doesn't know I'm here...' Making up his mind Yugi decided to stay there that night and hope that he would wake up in Yami's room on the warm cot.

Amethyst eyes eased closed. The room blurred and the temperature chilled. His hands grew numb as it slowly tingled up his arm. He blinked slowly and noticed he was sitting on an edge of a very tall cliff. Turning he realized he was in a desert. A pool of thick red substance ran right next to him and off the cliff.

Drip

He just sat there and waited. So safe. So alone.

Drip

Yugi turned and looked out over the cliff into the nothingness. Hearing soft footsteps in the sand he tilted his head slightly to figure out what side the person was on. Slowly he heard the person trudge over. Then he heard someone sit next to him on the left. It felt familiar. He like familiar. He hated to be surprised like he had when he cried over his teacher. A name buzzed through his head. 'Yami' He didn't turn his head. Sitting there they both sat in silence and relaxing in the cold numbness.

Drip

Yugi's eyes shot open. He heard stumbling on the stairs right next to his room. His breath hitched. He bit his lip as his breath came in short gasps. 'Calm down. Calm down or he'll know I'm here.' Yugi thought to himself. 'Damn. I should have taken that thing the doctor gave my damn teacher...It's at school. Damn it to hell.' He heard the crackling of dried blood as he moved to try to help his breathing. 'Oh shit I can't breath.' He placed his hands on his head and inhaled deeply. Then quickly covered his mouth as he wheezed loudly. Still trying to regain his breath he listened to his uncle. 'Did he pass out?' Yugi slowly made his way to the edge of the closet and slowly opened the door. 'Damn.' He wheezed heavily again. 'I'm fine. I'm fine.' He slipped through the small gap. 'I have to get out of here.' He walked over to the window and looked down at the ground. 'Shit.' As quietly as he could he opened the window and eased out. Seeing his uncle's truck he decided to make a jump for it...after he regained his breath. Sitting there on the roof he inhaled deeply until it was once again comfortable. Sighing in relief he looked once again down at his uncle's truck. 'It's no that far.' Aiming himself he closed his eyes and jumped. Landing on the roof he was surprised it didn't give under his weight. Shrugging he jumped to the back of the truck and climbed down. Without looking back he ran.

Once at the park he jumped into the water. Prying his eyes open he watched as it slowly turned pinkish. He looked up at the surface as he slowly rose. Over in his mind he replayed Yami's lifeless body falling into this very little lake. Once his head surfaced he treaded for a while as he tried to wash the blood off his shirt and body. Once getting as much off as he could he swam for shore. A cloth hung in his face. Surprised he reached up and tugged it. 'Oh ya.' He thought as he peeled back the cloth still around his forehead. Then he reached up and touched the wounds. Climbing out of the water he leaned over it and waited for the water to still. In the moonlight he looked at his ghostly white face and saw tiny marks on his forehead. Little scars that were sure to fade with time glistened against his skin.

Shivering he shakily stood up and turned back towards the park. He pulled his shirt over his head. It still had a stale smell of blood clinging to it. Sighing he looked down at his soaked shirt. It had slightly reddish brown stains all over. Climbing up into the tunnel he pulled his knees up to his chest and closed his eyes. Trying to keep out of the cool breeze that was outside he tightened his hold on his knees to try to keep any warmth he had. He slowly drifted into a restless slumber.

That next morning Bakura was the first to arrive. He saw Yugi hanging by the front door of the school and smiled. He looked sadly at his stained clothes knowing well what had caused the stain. Yugi was slightly shivering and had light circles under his eyes. Ryou smiled and ran up to him. The boy smiled slightly and turned towards Bakura.

"Good morning Yugi. Want to head inside where it's warm?" Yugi inclined his head slightly as if agreeing. "Did you know we got a sub with us today?" The assistant mentioned. The tri-haired boy stopped walking. Ryou stopped too, as he walking next to his friend, and Bakura stopped when he didn't hear their foot steps. He turned and saw Yugi looking at the floor and Ryou looking up at him.

"Who?" Yugi muttered.

"I'm not sure. They didn't say." The boy looked like he wanted to say more but bit his lower lip and continued to walk behind Bakura. The new sub was already in the class making preparations. Bakura smiled and welcomed the new teacher. Yugi stopped in the doorway. Ryou was the only one that heard his friend gasped lightly. The sub turned and imminently recognized him. He smiled at the boy. The 11 year old's muscles tensed.

"Do you know Yugi?" Bakura asked suddenly.

"Sure do. I'm a friend of his old man's and his old lady's brother."

"Was." Yugi muttered.

"Ya well I'm still a friend of your uncle. Isn't that right?" The boy's fist tightened. Bakura watched in suspense. Something didn't feel right.

"I didn't know you still taught." The boy hissed.

"Why wouldn't I? All allegations were proven false. I'm innocent." The man smiled and turned to the teacher's desk. "I'm so glad I get to see you little one. Haven't in such a long time. How's your uncle?"

"Passed out on the stairs." The man chuckled. Yugi glared at the man.

"Yes well I better get ready for my class."

"It's not yours. You'll be gone as soon as our real teacher gets better." The boy growled. The man smiled as he turned to glare at the boy. It went unnoticed by everyone except Yugi.

"From what I hear he's a dead man." The man smirked at Yugi and turned back to his work. Still glaring at their substitute Yugi reluctantly turned and walked to his seat. All through the class the sub kept a close and almost hungry eye on the boy. Bakura noticed this and hung around the boy and his son more. During lunch Bakura was sitting in their room with Yugi and Ryou eating. The 11 year old poked at his food. The albino gave them a bag with food in it. It held a sandwich, chips, carrots, some fruit, and fruit punch. Yugi twirled a carrot through his fingers as he absentmindedly took a bit of food every so often. His friend and father noticed that Yugi seemed to be distracted. The tri haired child stood up and muttered he had to go to the restroom, but he really just wanted to be alone at the moment.

Walking from the room he treaded to the playground and watched Sini. He watched every move the boy made. Yugi really wanted to hurt something or someone. All his thoughts were jumbled and he was frustrated. He hated to be confused. A heavy hand on his shoulder made him turn. There smirking above him was, Mr. Katsu, their sub. The boy's breath hitched but went unnoticed. The man bent down and the boy felt his hot breath on his neck. "You look really pretty in a dress." Mr. Katsu muttered as he ran his hand down the boy's back. "It's been so long." Yugi shivered under the man's touch.

The man pulled the boy back, and out of sight, into a room next to the playground. Pressing him up against the wall he smirked. Struggling the 11 year old pushed away. When this was not enough he kicked and heaved his body. The child was about to let out a scream when the substitute covered him mouth.

"Hush now little one. Wouldn't want anyone to be jealous." Yugi bit the man's hand and Mr. Katsu howled in pain. Taking this opportunity he kicked the man in the shin. Ready to make a run for it the boy jumped over the man's writhing body. Mr. Katsu grabbed the child's ankle and the boy stumbled to regain his balance. He pulled the boy toward him. There on the floor he held the struggling boy in his lap. "Shh...calm down." Frustrated the man reached over and slapped the boy. "I said calm down." He ordered. "See what you make me do, little one."

The boy's eyes burned. He was not going to let this happen. 'Yami...' Yugi pleaded in his head. 'Please...Yami...help me...' Still not sure why he was calling out to he probably already dead teacher he felt some strength build up by just remembering little, safe, memories with his teacher.

"Hush now. That's it." Inhaling deeply he placed his hand under the child's chin and lifted it toward his face. "You smell of blood. Are you hurt?" The boy jerked his face out of the man's hands.

"S'not mine." He muttered.

"Always a violent one, aren't ya." He chuckled deeply. The boy looked at the ground.

"Yugi." A man whispered. 'Wait...that sounded like..." Tilting his head up he saw an image of Yami standing in the middle of the hall. 'Yami?' The man smiled.

"Yes. Now listen. Bakura is right around the corner looking for you. Yell." The boy looked at the man with questioning eyes. "Please Yugi. Just do it. I can't see you hurt." Realizing his mouth was gaping open and Mr. Katsu was muttering soft word in his ear...he inhaled deeply.

"Bakura!" Shocked the man heaved the boy forward and quickly stood up. Finding a hiding place he hid in the darkness of it. Quickly Yugi stood and ran up to the door just as Bakura opened it.

"Yugi! God's you scared me. Class has started and our sub isn't back yet. Do you know where he is?" Bakura asked wrapping his arm around the boy and looking cautiously into the room. "What happened to your face?" He asked lifting his face to get a better look.

"Fell." The child muttered. The assistant looked disbelieving as he led the child out of the closet. 'That red mark looks oddly like a hand mark.' He thought to himself as he kept his arms around Yugi as they made their way back to class.

Straightening himself Mr. Katsu decided he would have to wait before or after school to have any fun. He walked down and got a drink out of the water fountain and slowly trudged to class.

"Sorry about that. I got caught in traffic on the way back from getting something to eat." He said apologetically to Bakura. The albino smiled and nodded.

"No problem."

Sorry for the wait. Is my story getting boring? I can't tell if few review. Tell me if something sux so I can make it all better Thanx 2 those who reviewed. Now I'm going to go work on the next chappie over my 3 day week end. I'll get it out ASAP.

Thank You!

blood-fire-dragon

Moon'sHope

Kuramalovergirl

Seigyoku Kiryou

ailisa d. frieson

Sara

Luv the ideas. I was think about some like that so it's good to know others...well at least you will like it when it comes to that

Anaru-Minime

Yes our Yugi is dark enough...hehe...

suekosa

congrats on ur braces. I remember when I got mine off. I was like HECK YA Carmel, gum, caramel corn (hey I like caramel) lots and lots of taffy! Bring it on! lol