Stupid stupid stupid! Bitch! Arrrrrrrrrrrrrghhh!...(breathes heavily) I cannot believe I did that to you peoples...Bitch!...

I'd like to apologize for the last two updates...I've been...having some personal issues and took it out on all of you. That was unfair and uncalled for. My most sincere apologies. (bows head) As such, I am updating already (twice in one day...) in hopes of it being a sort of petition.

Wishfull Thinker: (grins) So you're a animal activist, eh? I'm just an animal lover. ...soooo many pets throughout my life so far. Currently have a few hermit crabs, some fish, a dog, and a rat. (not too many considering past times.) I'm glad you enjoyed the last scene and have a feeling you will enjoy this one immensely. Review again, dear! Love ya!

dragonlady222: Yami's not very subtle, is he? Hehe! It's so funny! I pick on both of them in this chappie! (squeals in delight) Review again dear. Love ya!

Satra: (smirk) Friends don't like english, eh? None of my friends know any other languages well enough to even speak them fluently. (american society...grumbles...-.-;) hehe. Yes, fabulous is a word. You're so cute! ...here's my earliest update yet:...love ya!

Pink-kiss-candy: Yay! You came back after the way I bitched at you all! (hugs) You have no idea how much I appreciate that. No, the ten reviews thing is over...still, I would love for you to continue to review! (kowtows)

Freedom of Darkness: (crawls under rock) I know I know, don't even start. I appreciate you pointing out I was bitching...(sigh) Thank you for not insulting me too bad...just hurt my pride. (I did it to myself though) I hope you'll all be able to forgive me in time...I'm dedicating this chapter to you for your brutal yet necessary review. Thank you.

I've got some announcements after this chappie. This one's one of my personal favs. Sooo funny! This chappie's dedicated to Freedom of Darkness. (kowtows in gratitude)

Cloudless

A day without clouds

Is a day with no rain.

A day full of sunshine

Is a day lacking pain.

But raindrops do come

On clear, sunny days,

Dripping down on bright faces

In the sun's milky rays.

Chapter 8: Fear

(Yami's POV)

"Holy Ra!" I exclaim as we wander the new Duel Monsters store. It's packed with duelists from all over the city. I've spotted quite a few I know, much to my dismay. They're so full of themselves.

"Easy Yami," Ryou grins as he tries to keep up with me as we push through the crowds.

"This is incredible! Amazing! Look at this duel equipment!" I continue, completely fixated on it all.

There are watches (stylish-looking watches, I might add) that project holograms with the touch of a button. Then the score is kept where the time is usually. There's also the games that send people into a somewhat coma, transferring their unconscious thoughts into various virtual games. I'm not so fond of those, considering we had to rescue Kaiba from one of those. There are also the newest duel disks; they're jet black now, the edges looking sharp enough to cause quite a deep cut. The holograms are more realistic than ever, apparently.

"Yami, earth to Yami." A pale hand waves in front of my face.

"Huh?" I ask, completely in a daze.

Ryou laughs. "Yugi was right. I'm gonna have a hard time luring you away from here."

I smile. "Guilty as charged."

He looks at the giant clock that's hoisted on the center wall, basically taking up the wall. It's—surprise surprise—a blue eyes white dragon.

"Yami, we've already been in here two hours," he states, looking tired.

"Only two?" I smirk, earning a light punch on the arm from the hikari. "Fine fine. We probably should be getting going. Mr. Mutou will be wondering where Yugi is."

"Nah," Ryou grins. "We left him a note saying we were going to check out this store after school."

I shake my head. I've got to hand it to the hikaris, they planned this day out extremely well. I tentatively grab Ryou's hand and tug him toward the exit to the store. We shove our way through the crowd, sighing in relief as we escape the madness.

"Whooo," he grins as we continue towards the entrance to the mall. "Some party, huh?"

I nod, unable to keep the grin from my face. I haven't had that much fun in…well, I'm not sure I've ever had that much fun. Whenever there's time to duel for fun I usually let Yugi do it. Whenever I duel it's for high stakes, like say someone's soul. It's not for enjoyment. Today I just got to relax and get excited, yell at a pervert….

"Should I take your silence as a good thing?" Ryou laughs lightly as we head outdoors onto the street.

"Oh definitely," I chuckle.

"I wonder what Jou, Honda, and Anzu thought since we weren't at school. Hopefully Anzu got the message Yugi left her."

I turn as we continue walking. "What message?"

Ryou grins mischievously. "Yugi called her cell phone to make sure they didn't go to Mr. Mutou after school to find out where we were. Didn't want them to worry…or blow our cover."

I chuckle as I imagine them huddled around Anzu's little pink cell phone at the lunch table. Jou would probably go on and on, ranting about being left out especially when it has something to do with duel monsters. Then Kaiba would most likely stride over and insult the blonde, telling him to stop yapping. I roll my eyes.

"What was that for?" Ryou smirks.

"Oh, just thinking about Kaiba."

He frowns. "I wonder if he was at the opening to the store. He'll use whatever opportunity he can with his work to get out of school."

"Like every other teenager—I used to think besides you, but today you and Yugi proved me wrong," I sighed wistfully, glancing up at the cloudy sky.

"You guys just don't know me that well then, I guess," he mumbles, watching other pedestrians as they pass by.

I grimace. That wasn't what I expected to hear. I clear my throat.

"Well…I hope we can change that now."

His head turns to look me in the eye. His brown eyes that were so cheerful and carefree earlier are now back to their normal look: masking his true thoughts. I close my eyes momentarily as we continue. Why does fate have to be so cruel to this boy? I wish he could more easily open up to people, particularly us.

"I do too."

I look over in surprise to see the small smile on his face, eyes holding a slightly lighter look now. There's still some burden he's carrying all alone; I can sense it.

I turn to look at the passing cars when I notice a limo down the block. When I stop I suddenly realize that I'm still holding Ryou's hand from when we'd left the Duel Monsters store. Blushing, I quickly release my grip on his smooth hands. He turns, looking at me questioningly.

"What is it?"

I try to regain my composure, quite flustered in having held the poor boy's hand that long. "I…thought I saw one of Kaiba's limos." I point towards the corner where I'd spotted it.

Ryou turns. "Well it's not there now."

"It was strange," I continue. "It was just sitting there. Not moving."

Ryou grins. "Perhaps he's stalking you, wants to duel."

I groan. "Ra, I hope not."

The white-haired boy laughs, continuing onward down the street. I stand there for a second, staring at the empty space. Was it really Kaiba? He's not one to hide in the shadows. When he wants something he comes right out and demands it. I roll my eyes. So egotistical.

"Yami! What, are you going to stand there and wait for him to come back?" Ryou yells up ahead.

"Not a chance!" I call back amusingly, racing to catch up with the boy.

(Bakura's POV)

That was an entirely different side of the pharaoh I saw today. He was like a giddy little child when we were in that store. His normally dark and pompous look vanished, leaving a somewhat Yugi-like person behind. Although it wasn't really like Yugi; he's much more irritating.

I've no doubt now that the pharaoh likes me…more than a friend, I mean. The way he defended me against the perverted tattooed freak in the store...the way he eyed me when I put on those atrocious leather pants…I still can't believe I did that…the way he was so embarrassed when he realized he'd been holding my hand all that time after we'd left the mall. That was barely credible. How does one wander around that long without realizing they're holding someone's hand? Unless he did it on purpose…but I doubt that. The way he blushed when he let go seemed to say otherwise.

Now to move forward with my plan. Time to capture his heart…I internally smirk. This is too easy.

(Yami's POV)

I can't believe this. This day has been so incredible. I never thought I'd get so much freedom. The thing is, I didn't spend it with Yugi or the others. I spent it with Ryou. I feel my stomach churn.

"Want to take the long way through the park?" Ryou asks casually, turning down a path heading into the treed grove.

"Sure." I follow, not really in any hurry to go back to the game shop.

We stroll along in silence for a while. I love this park. It's so…away from society. It's a good escape…well, assuming you have a body to escape away in. I internally badger myself. Stop thinking that!

"Ack!" I'm pulled out of my daydream when Ryou stumbles near the stream, starting to fall towards it.

I rush forward and grab him around the waist in an attempt to save him. We both fall in a splash. I open my eyes to find myself lying on top of the boy who's lying on his stomach in the ankle-deep stream.

"Uh…Yami?" the boy sputters, attempting to get up.

"Oh Ryou I'm so sorry!" I apologize profusely, thoroughly embarrassed…and wet.

He sighs as I pull him to his feet. "Too bad it's not a hot summer day. That would have felt more refreshing."

I grin, ringing out my shirt. "I'm really sorry. I was trying to catch you…"

I'm stopped as he shakes his head, water spraying everywhere.

"Ryou!" I close my eyes and try to block the water with my arm in a futile attempt to shield my face.

I hear him cackle. When I open my eyes I catch a glimpse of him rounding a bend further down the trail. Oh is that how it's going to be? I feel myself smirk.

(Bakura's POV)

Heh. That was fun. It's not every day I get to pretend to be a klutz. Plus I wanted to get him wet. Now I'm on the run. This should be entertaining. Just what will he do when he catches me…if he catches me? I grin my normal sadistic smile. I haven't done this kind of thing since Egypt. Hit and run, I suppose one might call it. I'm a master at it. I could easily evade Yami. The question is: should I?

I glance about my surroundings, trees all about. There isn't anyone else about, much to my relief. I'd probably just quickly send them to the Shadow Realm. Of course, Yami would sense that and come to banish me in turn…

I actually hate getting wet. Once back in Egypt I had to dive into the Nile in order to escape the pharaoh's guards. That was an experience I never repeated again. It was my only option. That or go back to the freaking dungeons and torture procedures. The crocodiles weren't so great…nor the current…or the spears the guards were hurling at me…or the fact that it was night so when I got out and made a break for the desert I was freezing my ass off…but other than that it was fine. I haven't liked water since. But the little creek wasn't that bad. It wasn't like I was underwater or anything. I'm not even fully wet.

Focus. There's prey to be stalked. I shiver a feeling of relish at being the hunter once again…even if I don't get to gut my quarry at the end…

(Yami's POV)

I carefully step over a large branch that's lying in the middle of the path, trying to be as quiet as possible. Ryou's always been good at avoiding people if he wants to. This should prove quite a challenge.

I clear my throat, struggling through some bushes and making my way off the path. How big is this park, exactly? Not that I'm worried, I just am wondering how far I can go before I reach the edge. I don't even want to go near civilization right now, don't even want to think about it. I'll forget the puzzle, Yugi, the others, school, and everything else.

I nearly fall flat on my face as I try to avoid a hornets' nest on a branch near my head.

"Wow. Those are some fancy dance moves there," a voice chuckles from overhead.

I look up to see Ryou perched on a branch about halfway up the tree, swinging his legs back and forth merrily.

I smirk, putting my hands on my hips. "So are you going to come down or do I have to clamber on up there?"

He grins, shrugging his shoulders cheerfully. I internally scowl. I've never climbed a tree before. This isn't just any tree. It's a tall tree. I'm talking about a big tree. This should be interesting to say the very least. I take off my leather jacket and place it in my shopping bag next to the tree. No use on getting it dirty.

I sigh and grab the lowest branch, putting my feet against the trunk as I manage to scamper up. All right, I'm off the ground now. It's all right. I feel sweat on my brow as I pull myself up so I'm sitting on the limb. So far, so good. I tentatively reach up for a branch slightly above my head. I let out a yelp as I wobble, quickly sitting back down on my branch.

Ryou grins from above. "This your first tree?"

I grunt as I reach for the overhanging branch again. "You could say that, yes." I look up hopefully, praying to all the deities he'll come down.

"Sucks to be you," he laughs, leaning back on his roost. All right, that wasn't the answer I was hoping for…

I take a deep breath, determined now. I slowly make my way up the tree, taking occasional rests to steady myself. My entire body is shaking, especially when I grab a branch only to realize it won't hold. It can be difficult to judge how much weight a branch will hold. By the time I've reached the limb under Ryou's perch I'm panting, entire form trembling. This is quite a work out and Yugi isn't in the best of shape.

"Tell me, has the world changed much these past few years?" Ryou asks suddenly, examining his fingernails.

I stop, looking up in question. "What?"

He grins. "You know, since you started climbing up here." Ouch.

"That was uncalled for, don't you think?" I breathe heavily as I reach for the branch he's on.

"But someone had to say it," he giggles.

"Ryou Bakura, I'm going to…" My face whitens as I start pulling myself up next to him. "Did something just crack?"

His face is panic-stricken, wide brown eyes staring at the limb we're sitting on. "Um…Yami, about you never climbing trees…"

I look down and barely suppress a scream. The limb's about to snap.

"HOLY FUCK!" I yell right as the branch dislodges from the tree.

We both scream, tumbling towards the ground. I shut my eyes as numerous twigs whip my face. I wince as something hard connects with my stomach. Then there's the landing. I choke as I try to breathe, slowly opening my sore eyes. Ryou's lying next to me in agony; the stitches on his lip split open again, a tiny rivulet of blood flowing down his chin.

"Ow." He cringes as he slowly sits up.

"Are you all right?" I groan.

(Bakura's POV)

Ow. Fuck ow! Note to self: Never ever take the pharaoh tree climbing again. Oh shit. Oh ow.

"Are you all right?" he asks, slowly sitting up.

"Sure," I mumble, my heart pounding against my rib cage. Ra that was…fear-provoking.

I can feel a bruise on my arm. I glance over at Yami. We're both covering in small scratches. He has one right above his right eye, blood slowly trailing down the side of his face.

"Ouch!" I suddenly exclaim. Something sharp just jabbed my arm!

"Wha…Hell! What the fuck!" Yami yells, hand flying to his neck.

I look down only to see the hornet nest Yami had narrowly avoided earlier sitting on the ground next to me, a nice cloud of the little monsters hovering about us. Shit! I struggle to my feet, grabbing Yami's arm and taking off down the trail.

"RUN!"

We both are struggling, already banged up from our lovely fall. Now we have little insects with sharp asses chasing us through an isolated park. Someone up there hates me.

Yami's hand suddenly reaches out and yanks me sharply to the left. I stumble at the quick turn, barely managing to stay on my feet. My right leg is throbbing painfully. I think the fall sprained my ankle. Just perfect.

(Yami's POV)

Could this possibly get any more dramatic? Ra. I slap at a hornet on my arm as another gives me a nice jab on the calf. These things hold serious grudges! OW!

I glance over at Ryou who's face is white, jaw tensed. How bad did that fall hurt him? It's actually amazing neither of us broke anything. I wince as I feel a number of stings on countless parts of my body. Ra! Why don't they leave already?

My heart skips a beat when I see what's up ahead. Thank the gods! I grab Ryou's arm, dragging him as fast as I can possibly go. He seems to be limping slightly. I make a break for the pond straight ahead. I think Ryou's spotted it. Yes he's…pausing? Oh hells no!

"Ryou come on!" I insistently pull as more hornets whiz around my head.

"But…!" I don't give him an opportunity to finish whatever he's saying, tugging him straight into the pond.

I plunge in after him, holding his head under. He's struggling against my hand, trying to get to the surface. I fight him, knowing we should wait just a few more seconds for the hornets to leave. I just hope he took a good breath. His fingers grasp my wrists, frantically clawing at them. I cringe, recoiling as I feel his nails rip my skin. I quickly head for the surface, gasping for air as I come up above the water.

This is quite a deep pond, the water coming up to my shoulders. The water's murky, algae lining the shore. I glance about for Ryou only to find him scrambling toward land, clambering onto the bank, coughing furiously. I quickly make my way over to him, climbing onto the grass.

"Ryou," I heave, still catching my breath. "Are you all right?"

He doesn't answer, wheezing. I crawl over to where he's laying, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. Anubis, he's trembling violently. I increase my grip on his shoulder, noticing the blood trickling down my wrist.

"Ryou," I say gently.

He looks up, his eyes full of panic. His body won't stop shaking.

"Are you all right?" I repeat.

He nods, looking over at the pond with dread. What's going on?

"I'm….fine," he says hoarsely.

"I…what's wrong? Something's wrong."

He takes a shaky breath. "I…forget it."

"No. Tell me what's wrong."

He sighs. "I…hate water…" His voice cracks.

I hesitantly put my arm around him; to my surprise he leans against me, trembling.

"It's all right now," I whisper. "You're safe."

Chella: Hi Ferris Ulf! Abashamahiba! Swiggling! Haha!

Uh...o.O...yeah...

I just wanna apologize again. I took you all who do review for granted. I'm struggling with religious persecution from some friends and family memebers (which isn't helping my depression at all) I'm going to be switching to stronger meds soon, so hopefully I won't go blowing up in your faces again...(hangs head in shame...)

Review! (...if you want to...)