(blink) O.O (blink)...
HOLY SHNIKIES! What the heck was that! 20 reviews, peoples! (faints)...oooohh...You guys are awesome, that's what! Kick-butt awesome! (huggles)
xKokurox: Perfect, eh? Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm updating! I'm updating! Now frikin' review so I can update again! (smirk)
Spryte: YAY! A new reviewer to the story! (huggles tightly) I'm so glad you've hopped aboard the bandwagon of reviewers! Please continue to do so, understand? I wanna hear from you again! This chapter's for you!Love ya!
StormySkys: The part with Kaiba confuses you, eh? (smirk) Yes, it seemed to confuse everyone. (cackles) That's the point. Yam's unconcious on the bedroom floor. Heh.Review again, love!
666TheWitch666: (smiles) I was very flattered by your review! Yay! I've wowed people! Don't die of suspense! Live, I say! Live! Please review again, dearie!
Safiya: Yay! You've come again! (huggles) Yes, I'm sorry the damn site cut off your review. (shakes head sadly) Goddess, am I? (head starts to bloat) Aieeee! You've fed my ego! (laughs) Oh no. Are you another Yami-hater? (smirks) Review again, dearie!
MoonWolf2000: I love a bit of cuteness and fluff myself. HOWEVER, that's what's made up a lot of this fic so far. British and animal lover? (smirk) Honey, we're so alike. (I'm not british though. SAD!) Did you get my e-mail? Love ya!
KilaInverse: You'll find out why Kaiba's so...so...um...Kaiba, for lack of a better word. Yami be more understanding? (snerk) That'll be the day. Yes, Kaiba knocked our dear pharaoh out. Oh the drama! Love ya, dearie!
moonlit-leaf: Yay! You came back! (Hugs tightly) Very perceptive of you suspecting Kaiba. You're the only one who mentioned the thing at the mall. Yes it was him. I put the cape thing in so there was the possiblity of it being Marik or Malik too, but yes, it really was the CEO. Very good, dear. Review again, love!
Freak in the Shadows: OMFG! I'm updating! I'm updating! (laughs) I love the "all chant like rare hunters" thing. You guys rock!
DreamingChild: No, Yami does not comprhend what's going on completely. Oh the angst! Oh the passion! Mad at Kaiba, eh? (smirk) Actually,he saved our Kura, as you'll soon see...(mysterious music)
Red Phoniex: Mwahahaha! Oh I love to watch you all squirm! (readers: GLARE) Heh...o.o;...(laughs) Don't worry, dear. I knew that about brits. I've got some very close friends that are british. They've informed us of such, although they do like tea. Americans meanwhile don't say "howdy" (except maybe in the south -.-), over half of us are fat but there ARE skinny people over here (my family, for ex.) I hate American television overall save for a few shows--we don't even have cable. Ya. A few facts about us. Yay! We're all getting to know one another so well! You're right, americans seem to think you guys live in the 18th century or something. Every time a commerical tries to make something look elegant they have someone with a british accent talk. (shrugs) So I guess you guys are classy. (smiles) Review again! Love ya!
KeraJeir: (laughs) You all are so mad at me for that cliffie! Oh the drama! (cackles) Review again, dear!
dragonlady222: Wonder how Kaiba knows? (smirks) That's revealed in this chappie, dear. Well, some of it is...(cackles) I can't go giving you guys all the info at once! That would mean no more cliffies! (readers: o.-...)
Satra: (laughs) You really didn't miss anything, dear. I've dropped some oh-so-subtle hints but nothing big. You're supposed to be confused right now. (pats on head) Yes, I'm afraid Yami did give Ryou the spell. Read on, love!
Silver Mirror: Yes. Kaiba knew. Know why? Cause he's frikin' KAIBA, that's why! (readers: -.-;) Heh. All right, so maybe that's not the real reason, but it's a damn good one nonetheless! (cackles)
blackalbino: Ack! You didn't resurrect Kaiba! (frantically attempts to recessitate CEO) Darn you, dear, you can't DO that! I need him for the story! He's a key character! Yeesh...(laughs) All your questions...no that's a lie...some of your questions will be answered in this chappie!
Blue September:I really like your name, did I ever mention that? (smiles) Anyhoo, no Yami doesn't know the complete truth. Can't have that happen! That'd make it all too easy for them! (cackles) I'm soooo evil! Review again!
Freedom of Darkness: No basement, eh? We need basements here. Get tornados and such every spring. (smiles cheerfully) They're fun...well...kinda...never been very close to one...went out during a major tornado warning though. The rain was going completely horizontal and was knocking us over. Very...intense. I'm blabbering, my apologies. (laughs) yes yes, Kaiba knew. Ow! Fuck OW! I'm going to take that stick away from you one of these days...-.-;
Wish-full Thinker: Yami does not know that it was Kura who he was lovin'. (smirk) That'd be too simple. Oh yessss. (cackles) I'm glad you think I'm portraying Kaiba all right. I'm really nervous about this chapter. Tell me what you think of him here please! (laughs) Of course he knows something you don't! He's KAIBA!
BluegrassElf: Worst cliffie ever? Yay!...Know what? I bet I can top it. (readers: NOoooOOOoooooOOOO!) Oh yessss! (rubs hands together) Oh yesssss precioussss...
I'm dedicating this chapter to our newest reviewer Spryte! Booya!
Sorry this chappie's a bit short. Next one's long so that'll make up for it. I've got some important announcements at the end of the chappie. Read on!
Sin
Pollute thy mind with dark desires
Don't smother flames, feed the fires.
Just give into your deepest dreams.
The shapes aren't always what they seem…
Chapter 19: Agony's Truth
(Bakura's POV)
It took me a while to come back to my senses after being inhumanely tossed into the back of the limo; however, once I did…
"Open this fucking thing right now!" I yell, body still shaking.
I pound insistently on the window that is separating me from Kaiba and the driver. I give up rather quickly, leaning back in exhaustion watching the buildings zoom by outside. I narrow my eyes when I realize where we're heading.
The driver suddenly slams on the breaks, sending me to the floor of the limo. As I struggle to sit up the door next to me opens. I growl, looking up and expecting some snide remark from the CEO. He looks down at me with his cold, blue eyes. Without a word he reaches down and all but drags me out of the vehicle by my neck into the cold.
"Augh…" I choke, unable to speak in his iron grip.
"Not a word," Kaiba hisses as he drags me into the house.
(Yugi's POV)
"Yami, come on man," Jou whispers as we all kneel around my darker half's collapsed form.
"What…happened?" Yami moans weakly, looking up at my face for an explanation.
"We don't know, Yami. Kaiba went upstairs and a minute later dragged Ryou to his limo. We found you up here unconscious," I answer softly.
He closes his eyes wearily, a look of pain in his features.
"He killed Ryou."
We all stare at him in astonishment before looking at one another in confusion.
"No, Yami, Kaiba didn't kill Ryou. Ryou's fine," Grandpa says gently.
Yami shakes his head, tears streaming from his closed eyes.
"Not Kaiba…Bakura."
(Bakura's POV)
"Why have you brought me here?" I rasp as we stand in Ryou's bedroom.
Two of Kaiba's goons are guarding the door outside. One is in the car, engine still running. Trapped.
Kaiba sneers. "We're going on a little trip. First, however, there are some things we must take care of."
I feel myself bristle, ready to harness the powers of the ring, despite my present state.
"Just why exactly are you…?"
"I made a promise to Ryou," Kaiba states.
I pause, unsure of what this could mean for me.
"Did he ask you to finish the job if he and Yami failed to kill me?" I hiss, fighting the urge to back away.
I fall to the floor as his fist connects with my jaw. I wince, body already sore from Yami's previous attacks. My breath catches in my throat as he grabs me by the back of the neck and yanks my head back.
"If I hadn't given him my word, I'd end your miserable existence right now," he snarls menacingly. "Now," He shoves my head forward as he lets go. "Where's this spell Marik and Malik gave you?"
"Go to hell," I mutter, earning a swift kick to the side.
"We can wait here all night until you tell us where the spell is. However, that might not be in your best interest. Yami and the others will no doubt come looking for you."
I glare up at the young CEO. He has the upper-hand and he knows it. Damn. He smirks down at me. I sigh heavily.
"Fine."
(Yugi's POV)
"Ryou's…gone?" I whisper hoarsely as we all sit in my small bedroom.
Yami nods, tears still streaming from his eyes. Jou puts a comforting hand on my darker half's shoulder.
"I gave him a spell…a few months ago…" Yami breaks down, sobbing uncontrollably. "It's all my fault!"
Grandpa kneels in front of Yami, grasping his hands firmly. "You were trying to protect him."
Yami shakes his head. "It wasn't enough. I should have done it myself! Why didn't I finish off that bastard when I had the chance?"
I sit quietly as everyone tries to console him. My mind is spinning. This doesn't make any sense.
"Lonely…he was very lonely…he was run by hatred…afraid of commitment…scornful of compassion…"
I feel a weight in my chest grow heavy. The words I'd spoken to Ryou that day echoing in my head like a chant:
"I hope he finds someone he can trust…can love."
Damn him! Damn that bastard! He killed Ryou! How could he? I'll make him pay for this…
(Kaiba's POV)
I gently tuck the covers of the bed around the limp form. Staring down in the dimness, I let my fingers brush through the silken hair. The eyes are soulless. I can't stand seeing him like this. I gently close his eyelids with my hand, making him appear to be sleeping. The body's still breathing. How long can it last without a soul though?
"I won't fail you again," I whisper softly before turning to where one of my guards is lifting the thief's flaccid form. "Take him to the limo," I state. He nods, carrying the yami out of the room.
What I wouldn't give to strangle that bastard right now. Why did Ryou make me promise this?...I already know the answer to that.
I turn to my other guard who's standing at attention, waiting for my instructions.
"Your companion will be back up after he takes the thief to the car. I'm sending another limo for the two of you to transport Ryou here to my mansion," I say, trying to avoid looking at the hikari's listless form. "You will guard him and wait for my return. I shouldn't be more than a day."
"Understood, sir."
I turn and pick up the Millennium ring that's on the floor. Not knowing what to do with it, I walk over and gently place it around Ryou's neck. Stepping back, averting my gaze from him, I pick up a suitcase one of the guards packed and leave the room without another word.
(Bakura's POV)
I moan as I slowly regain consciousness. Oh Ra. That hurt. I turn and stare at my hands and legs. I'm not in the same clothing…now dressed in a black sweatshirt and blue jeans. I wince as I attempt to sit up, slumping back down on the limo seat.
"I'd stay still if I were you. That spell took most of your strength." I look over to the other side of the limo where Kaiba's seated in the shadows.
"He's not coming back," I sneer, struggling to move.
The brunette quirks an eyebrow. "What?"
"The spell destroyed him. It wasn't banishment. Getting me out of the body won't bring him back," I hiss, crumpling onto my side again. I've never felt so frail. My muscles won't respond.
He glares. "I didn't have you separate in hopes of getting him back. I know the cold, hard facts of the situation…more than you."
I scowl, giving up on sitting. "What's that supposed to mean?"
He frowns. "You don't think I don't know what's been going on the passed six or seven months? I've known since day one."
I figured he did by this point. "How?"
He smiles grimly. "Because Ryou was my friend."
I stare at him in astonishment. Did the cold-hearted CEO just use the "f" word?
He notices my bewilderment, smirking. "Oh come on now. You aren't like those saps who think I'm incapable of emotion. People only seem heartless. You yourself are another fine example." I feel myself bristle.
"Shut up."
He scowls. "Touche subject? Does it hit too close to home, thief?"
I avoid the question. "Where are you taking me?"
He looks at me with those icy eyes. "Does it matter?"
"Since Ryou ordered it, yes."
Kaiba growls. "He didn't order anything. He requested. You should count your blessings that I'm complying."
"What, you're caught in his snares too?" I smirk.
His eyes narrow. "There were never any snares, as you call them."
"So why'd you knock out Yami if the three of you were accomplices?"
He chuckles darkly. "You really don't get it, do you? I would rather kill myself than join up with Yami. He gave Ryou that fucking spell in the first place. Poor kid didn't know what to do."
I roll my eyes. "Sure."
He growls threateningly. "You never knew him, thief. You didn't deserve to have him as a hikari. Yami wanted him to destroy you. He made Ryou promise not to throw the spell away, since your hikari adamantly refused to use it."
"Sure he did. Too afraid to?" I grin darkly.
His expression is unreadable. "Hardly. He—unlike anyone else in the universe—actually cared about you. He called me, wanting help on what to do. He was terrified. I told him we'd figure it out the next day. That's where you came in." I feel myself trembling by this point. "I came up to you and you were indifferent, even rude. I knew I was too late. You jumped to conclusions, thief. You destroyed the only person who ever gave a damn about you."
I push my back against the cushions, breathing harshly. This can't be true. It's a lie. Kaiba seems to notice my reactions, smiling humorlessly. He shoves a suitcase over to my side of the limo.
"I had one of my guards pack you some clothes."
I stare at him, unable to speak. This can't be happening. It can't be real!
He pushes a button, the vehicle moments later pulls over to the side of the road. Kaiba opens the door, getting out.
"I've told you the truth. I'm going to sit up front now. I can't stand to look at you," he hisses, starting to close the door.
"Kaiba!" I ask quickly. I need to know. He stops, leaning down and looking in at me with his emotionless eyes. "What…did Ryou ask you to do?" I whisper hoarsely, dreading the answer.
"To take care of you should anything happen to him," Kaiba states soullessly, slamming the door.
I stare at the closed door, tears cascading from my eyes. I can't stand it anymore, burying my head in my hands and screaming my throat raw. What have I done?
(Malik's POV)
"It's done," Marik states, coming up to me where I'm posted outside the Bakura residence.
I grin. "I know, light. Things are falling into place even easier than I thought. All the more reason to be cautious then."
"Do you have the address?" he whispers excitedly, eyes full of anticipation.
I nod, smirking. "Patience though, light. Don't intrude his space. He'll leave, I assure you. Then make your move. The apartment is all set up. Head over there and wait. Don't let Kaiba see you either."
He looks at me curiously. "You're not coming with me to Corshan?"
I shake my head. "No light. I have some business here in Domino. I'll be along by and by."
He nods, turning and racing over to the vehicle I've "acquired" for his journey. I smirk as he waves delightedly before zooming off down the road.
I stare after him into the darkness until he is beyond my sight, feeling a sadistic smile form on my face. He has absolutely no idea what I'm planning to do. It's for the best. He'd only get in the way. I sent him ahead to keep and eye on the thief…make sure he doesn't hang himself or anything. I suppose Kaiba has informed Bakura of the truth by this point. It's all quite amusing how the tomb robber got himself into this situation in the first place.
I'm actually surprised the pharaoh hasn't come to this house yet. Not as eager to finish Bakura off as I originally thought. Oh well, it matters not. All I have to do is wait for the prey to come to me…then I'm off to Corshan to continue my plan. The pharaoh will have to wait a while. I have a previous engagement planned with a little hikari…and a thief.
Now don't you all go screaming about Kaiba being Ryou's friend. He's hiding things still (of course). All of you who are just having a hard time believing the two of them were buddies, later on I have a flashback scene that will give some insight and make it much more...convicing, perhaps? (smiles) That's all I'll say about that for now.
Ah the Olymipcs have officially started. Did you all see that ski thing they did in the opening ceremony? Kick-butt awesome, that's what! AMAZING! Go Italians!
So let's see...I know a least one of you is from Canada; we've got Americans (me -.-;); English peoples!; at least one from Germany...I shall be watching all your athletes. Oh I LOVE the Olympics! (swoons)
On a serious note: a very good friend of mine just found out he has cancer. We're not sure yet how serious it is or if they can even treat it. Please keep him in your prayers (whatever religions you may be) We'd really appreciate it. Thank you.
Review again, peoples! I'd love to see those stats go up to twenty again:3