0.0...Holy shit! 14 reviews! You guys are AWESOME!
Just got back from my choir concert. We were so cool! You shoulda seen us! I'm an alto, one of four in the choir, so we really had to belt it. I had a solo and everything. Still queasy...nerves...(Smiles weakly) Anyhoo, I just have to update tonight. I need something to keep me awake until ten o'clock rolls by. I don't sleep if I go to bed earlier than that. (sighs)
Kila Inverse: BOOYA! New reviewer for the story! Excellent! Thanks for all the flattering compliments! (hugs) You worried about Yami getting hurt? (evil smirk) He ain't the only one. I'm glad you approve of Kura's fears and panic attacks. I mean, he was a human... that much is true. I believe in showing the characters' qualities. (smiles happily) Please review again! Love ya!
Miyosuke: (cackles) I'm glad you enjoyed Kura's torment at getting dragged back to the Mutou's. You're wondering if Kura feels guilty about killing Ryou? o.o...ummm...no, not really. The memory is just kinda haunting him. An excellent point though. Thanks for the compliment on the poem. After I wrote it for the chappie I looked it over and was like: "Whoa...where'd that come from?" (smiles) Thanks for the review and do so again! Love ya!
xKokurox: (laughs) Liked the chappie, eh? Don't worry, I won't say anything to chappie ten. ...Anyhoo, thanks for the sparkling drink! I hope the asylum doesn't catch you! (and if they do I hope they give you a computer so you can continue to review!) Love ya!
Freedom of Darkness: You...like Bakura having inner torment? o.O...Right then...Ow! I said knock off the poking thing! I'll set my cannibal crab that also likes to eat my skin on you!...Not gonna learn to drive for a while, eh? Have fun with that! (smiles) Thanks for all the compliments! Review again! (kowtows)
KeraJeir: (shrieks in delight) Yay! You came back! I love you! (embraces tightly)...um...sorry...anyhoo, it's not so much of Bakura having a conscience as the incident kind of looming over him and haunting his inner being...-.o...wow. That was deep. (laughs) Anyhoo, thanks for reviewing again and pleasepleasepleaseplease continue to do so! Love ya!
Satra: (smirks) Want to know where our dear little hikari got the spell from? (says in annoying sing-song voice: I'm not telling!) Heheheh! Yes, it does seem like something Marik and Malik would do. (winks) Love ya! Review again!
Silver Mirror: (blushes) So many compliments! You're too kind! My secret?...um...I skip my homework occasionally...(shrugs) I'm on happy pills...um...I have a rat...hmm...Anyhoo, you're like the third person to say they liked Kura's fit...you guys are weird...(smiles) Review again, dear! Love ya!
blackalbino: (cackles) You liked that quote of mine, did you? Well, I hope you get to use it someday too. (laughs) You really liked the chappie, didn't you? Yes, poor unsuspecting Yami is trying to protect Kura from Kura. Glad you liked the disturbing poem. I was myself disturbed when I read over it after I wrote it. I'm glad you liked the quotes on my profile. I update it quite often. Review again, dear! Love ya!
dragonlady222: Everybody thinks Kura's guilty. He's Not. Believe me. He's just haunted by what happened. Poor wittle tomb robber! You're the only one who mentioned the rod. Very good. I'm glad it's getting more exciting. It will cool down a little while then get really intense. I just wrote chappie 22. There's Zero humor. (sobs) So gory and tense! (smiles innocently) But we don't need to talk about that yet. Review again! Love ya!
Dreaming Child: I'm glad you're loving the complexity. I'm a bit worried. You sounded confused in your review. If you are Please tell me. I don't want you to be! (about certain things...some of it's SUPPOSED to be baffling) Love ya! Review again!
Bluegrass Elf: (shoves wad of tissues into hand) There. That should last for at least one more chappie. Oh dear. You're a Kura fan too. He's my fav. character. You're gonna be really sad later on...(smiles innocently) I'm so mean! I mean,I could tell you that everything is gonna be fine for our little psycho and that he's gonna get to go on happy killing sprees...but that'd be a lie...-.o...Review again, dear! Love ya!
fuzzypeach1025: Holy cow, that's one long review! (smiles) I LOVE YOU! (embraces) Don't like to review, eh? Well, you certainly put a hell of a lot of typing into it. I bow to you. (Kowtows) I'm glad you're curious and captivated. I aim to please. I'm glad you like my characterization of Kura. I hate...no...LOATH beaten-up Ryou crap. It's so overdone. I try to let him keep a bit of an evil streak, but it will be straying off a bit as time goes on. Don't worry, like you said this is not a Ryou/Yami. I'm not saying what it is. (cackles) You think it's obvious who the couple is? Wait a while...(laughs insanely) Oooh I love it! Sorry, you don't know what I'm rambling about...anyhoo, I'll take to heart the critiquing you gave about not enough un-dialogue stuffs. I truly shall. (bows in gratitude) Please review again! Love ya!
Wishfull Thinker: Ack! Get your money back! Don't let your sister torment you! (snickers) Yeah, Yami is kinda girly. But that's okay. (smiles) There might be some outbursts of disgust from you next review. You can do it, dear! Be strong! Review again! Love ya!
Freak in the Shadows: Umm...please don't cry...(holds out von fowst) Here, have a musky male rat cuddle! (smiles happily) There, doesn't that make everything better? I think so too. I LOVE YOU!
Note: The first lines of of this poem is not meant in any way to offend any of you religious peoples out there. Just would like to make that clear. Okay, continue!
Incomplete
I can't believe in God
If I know he isn't there.
Equality isn't possible
If the wealthy do not share.
Diseases can't be swept away
If we continue to ignore.
Boats can't accomplish anything
If they cannot leave the shore.
Chapter 13: Breaking
(Bakura's POV)
I slowly open my eyes, thoroughly exhausted. What's going on? I quickly realize I'm resting against someone's chest. Glancing up I find Yami sitting there on the couch, sleeping. His arms are wrapped around me, hand held gently against my scalp.
I sigh deeply, tensing when I feel Yami jolt. I look up to see two concerned violet eyes looking down at me.
"Ryou?" he asks tentatively, letting his fingers glide through my hair.
I close my eyes, relaxing under the touch. I'm not used to this kind of physical contact. I've only known kicks, punches, whips…never a soothing touch of any kind. Perhaps I was treated kindly when I was young. I can't remember though…
"How are you feeling?" I hear him whisper.
I feel a lump rise in my throat. Don't get soft. I'm here to crush him, not fall in love with him. There's no room in my heart for him I won't let there be. Love only causes pain…
"Ryou?" I wince. That name…how much longer will I have to listen to it? I loath it.
"Hmm?" I murmur, burying my face against his chest.
I just want to shut everything out. Is that a crime? I don't care.
"What happened last night? You were dreaming…something horrible…"
I quake. That really happened? I thought Yami was just a part of my dream…I thought…
"I…" I gulp, still shivering. Ra, what's happening to me? I've never felt so out of control.
He pulls me tighter against him, fingers gently massaging me. "You're safe now. Whatever it was…it's over now."
I nod, breathing in his scent. Why does fate have to be so cruel to me? It's not over. It will never be over.
As he continues to rock me gently, I feel a burning in my chest when another realization dawns on me. Once I've defeated him, leaving this city for good, I'll be alone again. No more running through forests from bloodthirsty bees or dodging perverts at the mall. No more…getting held…I close my eyes, fighting back the stinging feeling of tears threatening to surface. I can't back down now; not when I've come so far already…I sigh, relaxing under his touch. For now, I'll let it be. I'll enjoy it while it lasts…
(Seto Kaiba's POV)
Damn, why do people talk so long? I lean back in my chair, pushing the message button again on my answering machine, listening to the same one for the third time now. The stupid goat is droning on and on. I'm guessing he likes to listen to his own voice. I'm going to have to make a time limit on these things. I shake my head, trying to focus on what he's saying.
A knock at the door signals that one of my secretaries has arrived. I sigh, knowing I'll have to start the message over after she leaves. Again.
"Come in," I growl, turning off the machine.
A middle aged secretary enters, holding a bunch of papers. What was her name again? Shirley…Shania…Oh, it doesn't matter.
"Yes?" I ask tersely, wanting to get to more important things.
"A package arrived for you late yesterday," she tells me in a businesslike tone.
Finally, someone who's all business, not letting any of their personality show through. It's about time. I should give her a bonus…what was her name again…
"From whom?" I ask instead, figuring it isn't that important.
"A Yami Mutou," she states. I look up.
"What?" Why would it say Yami? He's stuck in the freaking puzzle.
Yes, I know about the yamis. I know more than Yugi and his pesky friends realize. But that's beside the point…
"Well, where is it?" I ask, folding my hands on the desk and looking quite frustrated.
"I…er…I'll have someone send it up straight away," she states somewhat flustered.
"That's not what I asked now is it?" I sneer, turning on one of my laptops and starting my morning checks of the company's stocks.
"It's downstairs in my office, in the safe," she says quickly, as if it will redeem herself.
So much for a bonus.
"I'll look at it later," I grumble. She stands there looking quite unsure of what to do. "Is that all?" I ask, annoyed by her lingering presence.
"I…yes sir," she nods, looking quite disconcerted by this point.
"Then what are you doing here still?" I snarl, turning back to the message machine. I feel my eye twitch as it starts over again, the man's voice droning on and on.
"But…"
"I said get out!" I yell, now thoroughly irritated, throwing the machine across the room, hitting the wall next to her. She let's out an 'eep!' bowing slightly and retreating from the room. I sigh, rubbing my temples with my fingers. All right, that wasn't business-like. She was really getting on my nerves. I'll have to post a memo about interrupting my work with unimportant information. Yes, that should do it. I smirk, typing it up on my laptop. So much for the message too. Heh.
(Bakura's POV)
I wander out alone that afternoon. I snuck out, actually. Ra, what the hell am I going to do? The combination of these dreams and my crumbling foundations is more than I can take. No. I can't give in to him. I can't just abandon all my plans. I've come too far.
I glance about nonchalantly, not even sure where I'm going. My leg's burning with pain, still injured from that fall. I feel myself smirk at that thought. He's such a damn klutz…No! I can't be thinking fond thoughts of him! Stupid! Stupid…
"Well well, look who's finally up and about," a voice purrs from an alley to my left.
I spin and am met with two light violet eyes staring wantonly into mine. Marik.
"What do you want?" I hiss.
"It's funny," he continues as if I haven't spoken. "I thought your body would be more…built…firm…muscular…"
"It probably would be, if he had his own body," a voice chuckles. I whip around to find Malik standing next to me, a sadistic grin plastered on his face.
"What?" Marik asks, brow furrowing in confusion.
Malik smirks, coming closer to me. I feel my muscles tense, ready.
"Easy now, I'm not going to attack you. I just want to talk…for now," he adds, licking his lips.
"If you so much as…" I begin.
He holds up a tanned hand. "Really now. I just wanted to ask how your progress is."
"Progress?" I sneer, glancing over at Marik who seems to be just as lost as I am.
"You know, romancing the pharaoh," Malik grins wickedly at this. How did he…?
He chuckles at the look on my face. "Don't look so surprised, thief. We've been keeping an eye on the two of you…"
"You were in my house the other day," I growl angrily.
He frowns. "No, that was Marik. Poor thing's a bit too…eager." I glare over at the hikari who's smiling smugly.
"So tell me, where's your little light?" Malik continues. I scowl at him.
"I don't see how this concerns you."
He smirks, eyes locked with mine. "Oh I don't know…seeing as how I was the one who gave Yami the spells in order for him to have a separate body. It would have been hard for you to be close to him otherwise." Oh now he's scaring me.
"You…knew that long ago?" I whisper hoarsely. Just how long have they been stalking us?
He smirks. "Well, originally the spell was for me…but then I thought why not share with our dear tomb robber…"
"Stop calling me that," I growl, already unnerved by his extensive knowledge of my plans.
He bows slightly. "My apologies. Just what would you like me to address you as?"
"Nothing, because we aren't going to meet again after today. Ever," I snarl.
He nods. "Fair enough. But before we go, do tell me: where is that darling little light of yours?" Malik smirks, waiting. Marik snickers, though I can tell he's genuinely interested.
"He's gone," I answer simply.
Malik quirks an eyebrow, though the smirk doesn't leave his face. "Gone?"
"That's right gone. Permanently."
Marik looks surprised, staring at me. Malik leans back slightly, not looking shocked in the least.
"I must applaud you. I've doubted to what extents you'll go to get what you want," he laughs.
"I don't care about your damn expectations of me. Just go," I hiss, burning with barely contained fury.
"Well then, I wish you luck on crushing the pharaoh. Come along, Marik," Malik bows slightly to me, turning and striding off down the street, his cape floating behind him.
"See you later," Marik grins, racing off to catch up with his yami.
I shudder once they're out of sight. They've been watching me that long? How?
I scowl at the ground, kicking up a cloud of dirt as I walk briskly back toward the game shop. 'I wish you luck on crushing the pharaoh.' I feel a weight in the pit of my stomach, imagining Yami's smiling face, his arms around me, making me feel wanted…loved… Am I strong enough to go through with this?
(Yami's POV)
After an half an hour of searching I find Ryou sitting behind the shop, staring glumly at the ground. He tells me he'd needed some time by himself. I…suppose that's all right…I just wish he'd told me so I wouldn't have been frantically running about looking for him.
I suggest to him we go for a walk. He cheerlessly agrees, stating we can't walk too far though because his ankle's still sprained. I tell him that's fine and we head out. We stroll down the street in silence, him staring at the pavement gloomily.
"Ryou, you know you can talk to me about anything," I say softly, gently taking his hand.
His fingers are cold, the tips like ice. I gently let my thumb rub up and down his skin. He looks down at our entwined hands, eyes clouding.
"I…can't tell you this…" he whispers.
I stare back at him. What can't he talk to me about? Now I'm more worried than ever.
"Well, I'm here for you, whatever you need," I reply quietly, giving his hand a squeeze.
"Hold me," he all but sobs, clinging to me suddenly. "Just hold me, please…"
I wrap my arms around his shaking form, quite anxious. I suddenly realize he's crying, sobs wracking his frame as he weeps into my shirt.
"Ryou?" I whisper, getting scared. This isn't like him.
I gently lean him over to the curb and sit him down, still clinging to me. I let my hand trail through his hair, trying to calm him.
"Tell me what's going on," I whisper in his ear as I hold him against me.
He shakes his head. "I….can't…"
"Why not?" I ask.
He doesn't answer, nearly breaking my ribs with his tight embrace. I look down to see his face tearstained and desperate.
"This must be something pretty serious," I say softly, watching the hurt increase in his eyes. "Is there any way I can help?"
I'm surprised when he nods, sitting up and staring at me helplessly, tears streaming down his face.
"You have to let me go."
"What?" I ask in surprise.
"Just walk away…just…hate me…" he whispers hoarsely, staring down at the pavement.
My hand goes under his chin, forcing him to look up at me.
"Why would you want me to do that?" I ask softly.
He doesn't answer, staring at me miserably.
"Ryou," I say firmly, looking him in the eye. "Do you want me to leave you? Because if that's what you want…" I gulp, not evening wanting to consider that one. "Look me straight in the eyes and tell me you want me to leave you."
He looks at me pleadingly, entire frame shaking uncontrollably.
"Tell me," I whisper, staring at him nervously, waiting.
"I…" he looks at me helplessly, tears streaming down his face.
I wait but he doesn't speak; cannot speak. He just stares at me powerlessly, like his heart his being ripped to shreds before his very eyes. I stare back and see the truth. I pull him into my arms as he lets forth a sob, holding him tightly against me, entire body trembling violently. Why would he even suggest such a thing?
"I wouldn't ever leave you. Never. You've got to trust me," I whisper as he cries into my shirt. "I'm going to take care of you. Whatever it is that's causing you so much pain…we'll get through it…together."
(Yugi's POV)
I sit back, sighing deeply. Something's definitely wrong with Ryou. He hasn't seemed himself for quite some time. I mean, he's the shyest person I know….or was. He's anything but now. What could all this mean? This change in him is nothing short of miraculous if you ask me. I mean, he's so…cunning…open….yet last night…I've never seen him that way before. Who died that would cause him to react like that?
Grandpa tells me not to question Ryou about it. I won't; it makes sense that Yami should be the one to ask him about it. Grandpa's probably against prying at all, but we've got to figure out what happened. I've noticed things too. Things that don't seem like Ryou at all. When he thinks no one is looking there's a dark gleam in his eyes, watching yami like prey or something. I don't like that. I feel myself shudder. It's almost like instead of separating from his yami Ryou's molded together with him, creating some being with traits of both of them.
Gods, why does this have to be so frustrating?
"Yugi," I turn to see Yami in the doorway with an exhausted Ryou in his arms.
"Yami! What happened?" I exclaim, jumping off the couch so he can set Ryou down.
I stare down at the other hikari's face and can tell in an instant he's been crying.
"He's…overwhelmed by something," Yami murmurs, running a hand through Ryou's hair.
"But what? Do you think Bakura has something to do with this?" I ask nervously.
He looks down helplessly at the sleeping form. "I don't know, Yugi. I don't know."
I sigh, an empty silence looming about the room. I hate this type of situation where all one can do is wait…wait for either the breath of fresh air…or the metallic taste of blood.
(Bakura's POV)
I slowly open my eye just a crack and glance around. Yami's lying under me, my head against his chest. Yugi's strewn out across our legs at the other end of the couch. Ra, I don't remember falling asleep.
I feel my heart ache again as I stare at Yami's face. He looks so peaceful…I can't do it….I can't hurt him, I realize that now. There's no point in fighting it. I set out to destroy him and instead fell in love….Ra, I've got to be the sappiest king of thieves…can't even hurt an enemy without getting lightheaded.
I sigh, snuggling against his chest again. I guess that's it then. No more running. No more plotting. I've given up…given in…
Poor Kura had another breakdown. He's having it rough. You think this'll end the conflict? (cackles insanely) Oh no no no! It'll only feed the flames! Mwahahaha!
Just finished chappie twenty two! Booya! ...But there's no humor in it. (sobs) It's so dark and bloody! Argh! I'm depressed by it! But it's so damn good! GAH!
I'm confused and tired...just ignore my rantings. (smiles cheerfully)
REVIEW!